Velvety custard sauce

Step 1

Place cornflour in a medium saucepan and stir in enough of the milk to make a smooth paste. Stir in remaining milk and cream. Add vanilla bean.

Step 2

Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until it comes to the boil and thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Use a whisk to combine the sugar and egg yolks in a small bowl until slightly pale. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk mixture and stir well. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the pan and stir with the wooden spoon over low heat, without boiling, for 2 minutes or until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon.

Step 4

Pour the custard through a sieve into a heatproof jug and serve warm.