Vanilla Maple Custard with Pecan Biscotti Crumble « Dessert

There is nothing that is more of a comfort food than vanilla pudding. Rich, creamy and sweet, this dessert sweeps through your mouth and pulls you back to childhood – or it does me.

This is not a dessert to serve at a champagne and diamonds dinner but it is perfect for a chilly evening after a long day, when you just want to curl up under a quilt, doze and watch TV. The crispy crumble topping adds a nice texture contrast and keeps you tongue guessing.

You won’t find many microwave recipes on RestlessChipotle but I do like the microwave for making perfectly textured custards, quickly and without worrying about scorching.

You can use whole milk if you want, or evaporated milk… just don’t use skim or 2%. The combination of cream and half and half does add a few calories but the texture is so silky and creamy it is worth it. Trust me… and try it once.

: Vanilla Maple Custards with Pecan Biscotti Crumble

: sweet and rich custard with a crunchy topping

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups half and half
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks, beaten
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup pecan biscotti crumbs (or pecan cookie crumbs)
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Mix cream and half and half in a large, microwave safe bowl
Add the salt, sugar and cornstarch and beat well
Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every minute
When pudding begins to thicken remove bowl from microwave
Add hot pudding to egg yolks a tablespoon at a time and mixing well after each tablespoon
When eggs are warmed quickly add them back to the pudding and mix in quickly and thoroughly
Microwave on high for one minute, stir
Reduce heat to 50% and microwave until very thick, stirring every minute
Remove from microwave
Stir in flavorings and butter
Add pudding to 12 custard cups (about 1/2 cup servings)
Melt the1 tablespoon butter in a heavy pan
Add the biscotti crumbs and sugar
Toast until crispy – just two minutes or so
Sprinkle crumbs on pudding and serve warm