Classic crème anglaise gets a warm, fragrant update with a splash of Armagnac brandy. Make a special treat by spiraling some on a chilled dessert plate and topping it with a scoop of luscious homemade sorbet.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups light cream or half and half
- Contents of 1 vanilla bean cut lengthwise and scraped out
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Armagnac brandy
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, heat the half-and-half and vanilla to just a simmer, and then immediately remove the pan from the heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and the sugar until they are smooth and add a small bit of the hot vanilla cream, stirring constantly. Immediately transfer the warmed egg mixture back into the hot cream and continue whisking until they are completely incorporated. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reads 170 degrees on a digital candy thermometer or is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in the Armagnac, and chill the custard completely before serving it.
Makes 8 servings.
