PASTRY CREAM FILLING

Rich, yet delicate, ideal for any cake and easy to vary. Fills a 9" cake.

• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup half & half or 1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream plus 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a saucepan and blend in a little of the cream. Place on medium heat and stir constantly. Add the rest of the cream and continue stirring until the mixture reaches the consistency of medium cream sauce. Stir a little of the sauce into the egg yolks, then pour egg yolks into the sauce in pan. Cook for a few minutes on low heat until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cool quickly. To prevent a skin from forming, brush with melted butter. Stir a little before using.
Yield: 1 1/3 cups