Crème pâtissière

Method

• step 1

  Pour the milk into a large saucepan. Whisk in the vanilla bean paste and gently warm until it's barely simmering.

• step 2

  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornflour, caster sugar and a tiny pinch of salt. Gently pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until you have used up all the milk.

• step 3

  Return the custard to the pan you warmed the milk in and bring to the boil, whisking constantly — it will be lumpy at first, but continue to beat the mixture while on the heat, and it will soon turn silky and smooth. Remove from the heat, pass through a sieve into a clean bowl and stir in the butter, mixing until completely melted.

• step 4

  Cover with baking parchment to stop a skin from forming and set aside to cool before chilling in the fridge. Will keep chilled for three days. Beat to loosen before using in tarts, choux buns or cakes.