Vanilla Bean Cream

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• About 2 tbsp. brandy or liqueur (optional; see Notes)

1. With a sharp paring knife, cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise. With the tip of a sharp knife, scrape out vanilla seeds into a small saucepan.
2. Add bean halves and milk to saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and let mixture sit 15 minutes. Discard vanilla bean halves.
3. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch into milk and bring to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly, until mixture boils and thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Immediately pour mixture into a bowl and let cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature. For extra fun, try adding up to 2 tbsp. brandy or liqueur to the bowl as cream cools.
4. Note: Nutritional analysis is per tablespoon.

vanilla bean, milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, brandy

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/vanilla-bean-cream (may not work)