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Fried custard squares with ginger syrup

A traditional dessert in Italy and Spain, custard fried in golden crumbs wraps up a meal nicely.

By Jerrie-Joy Redman-Lloyd
  • 15 mins preparation
  • 25 mins cooking plus setting
  • Serves 9
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Fried custard squares with ginger syrup
Start this recipe a day ahead to set the custard.

Ingredients

  • 750 ml (3 cups) milk
  • 130 gm caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
  • 110 gm butter, coarsely chopped
  • 200 gm plain flour, sifted
  • 6 egg yolks
  • For deep-frying: vegetable oil
  • 35 gm (1/3 cup) dried breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp vanilla powder (see note)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 100 ml ginger syrup (see note)
  • 30 cm piece ginger, cut into fine julienne

Method

Main
  • 1
    Line an 18cm-square cake tin with baking paper. For the custard, bring milk, sugar and vanilla bean and seeds to the boil in a small saucepan over low heat, then strain through a fine sieve and keep warm.
  • 2
    In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat, add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until pale and sandy-textured (2-4 minutes). Gradually whisk in hot milk and stir constantly until thickened (5-7 minutes), then whisk in egg yolks. Remove vanilla bean and pour mixture into the prepared tin and refrigerate until set (4-6 hours or overnight).
  • 3
    Turn set custard out onto a board and cut into nine 6cm squares. Heat oil in a deep saucepan to 180C. Combine breadcrumbs with vanilla powder in a bowl and place beaten eggs in another, dip custard squares in egg then breadcrumbs, shaking off excess, and deep-fry in batches until golden and slightly crisp (2-3 minutes; be careful, hot oil may spit). Drain on paper towels and dust with extra caster sugar.
  • 4
    Heat ginger syrup with ginger julienne in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until warm, pour over custard squares and serve hot.

Notes

Note Vanilla powder is available at select health-food stores, supermarkets and specialty stores; if it's unavailable, substitute the scraped seeds of a vanilla bean. Ginger syrup is available at select delicatessens, supermarkets and health-food stores or online through The Ginger People.

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  • undefined: Jerrie-Joy Redman-Lloyd