Creme Polombiers with Macaroons and Cognac

• 6 squares of stale ladyfingers, about 1 1/2 inches across and 1/2-inch thick
• 4 tablespoons diluted Cognac (3 parts Cognac, 1 part water)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups boiling milk
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract, or 2 teaspoons and 3 tablespoons rum
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 egg whites
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons pulverized macaroons, divided

1. Arrange the pieces of ladyfingers in a 2-quart, 4-inch deep serving bowl.
2. Sprinkle with the Cognac.
3. Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl until they are pale yellow and form a ribbon.
4. Beat in flour.
5. Then beat in the boiling milk by droplets.
6. Pour into a clean saucepan and, stirring with a wire whip, boil slowly for 2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and beat in the vanilla, then the butter.
8. Beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks are formed; sprinkle on the sugar and beat until stiff peaks are formed.
9. Fold the egg whites and 3 tablespoons of the macaroons into the hot creme patissiere.
10. Spoon the cream into the serving bowl or dessert cups and chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until serving time.
11. Just before serving, sprinkle with the rest of the macaroons.

ladyfingers, cognac, egg yolks, sugar, flour, boiling milk, vanilla, butter, egg whites, salt, sugar, pulverized macaroons

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/creme-polombiers-with-macaroons-and-cognac-recipe.html (may not work)