Vanilla Custard

Directions

1. 1.

   Heat milk in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until hot but not boiling.

2. 2.

   While milk heats, whisk together yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a heatproof bowl until smooth.

3. 3.

   Add 1 cup hot milk to yolk mixture in a stream, whisking, then add remaining milk, whisking constantly. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and registers 170°F on thermometer, 6 to 10 minutes (do not boil).

4. 4.

   Immediately force custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl and stir in butter and vanilla. Chill custard, its surface covered with wax paper, until cold and thickened, at least 3 hours.