Pastry Cream

Ingredients and Weight:

• Milk: 500 ml
• Sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
• Eggs: 4 large
• Butter: 100 grams
• Flour: 1/2 cup (60 grams)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk and sugar and bring to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk eggs and flour together until smooth.
3. Once the milk mixture starts boiling, pour a small amount into the egg mixture, then pour the egg mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
4. Add the vanilla extract and continue stirring until the pastry cream becomes thick.
5. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until fully absorbed.
6. Pour the pastry cream into a baking dish and let it cool. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
7. Once cooled, you can use the pastry cream as is or further process it for specific dishes like eclairs or cream puffs.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving - about 125 grams) Calories: 270 calories Fat: 14 grams Carbohydrates: 30 grams Protein: 5 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Smooth and creamy texture
• Rich vanilla flavor
• Suitable for both sweet and savory dishes
• Can be used as a filling for pastries or as a standalone dessert

User Comments:

1. "This pastry cream is so creamy and delicious! It's perfect for making eclairs." - John Doe
2. "I love how easy it is to make this pastry cream at home. It tastes just like the ones from high-end bakeries." - Jane Smith
3. "This pastry cream is really versatile. I used it to make cream puffs and they were a hit!" - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to stir continuously when cooking the pastry cream to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan or burning.
• Use a good quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the pastry cream.
• Let the pastry cream cool completely before using it, as it will be easier to handle and spread.