Preparing custards and sauces

Preparing Custards

Begin by heating milk or cream with any flavourings (like vanilla) in a saucepan until hot, but not boiling. Be careful not to boil your milk or cream as this can affect the final custard texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined. This mixture is often referred to as a ‘sabayon’. The egg yolks give the custard its rich texture and the sugar helps to thicken it.
Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This technique, known as ‘tempering’ prevents the egg from scrambling when heated.
Once combined, return the mixture to the heat and cook gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This is a critical stage; if the custard is heated too quickly or without constant stirring, it can curdle.
When the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s ready. Pass it through a sieve to get rid of any lumps and create a smooth texture.
Cooling and setting the custard is the final step. This is generally done in the fridge, and can take a few hours.

Preparing Sauces

Sauce making often involves using a ‘roux’ as a base. This is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour, cooked together until a paste is formed.
The type of sauce dictates the next step. For a sweet sauce, like a chocolate sauce, sugar and a liquid (such as milk) would be added. For a more savoury sauce, like gravy, stock would be used.
Once the liquid has been added, the sauce is cooked slowly, stirring regularly until it reaches the desired thickness.
For more complex dessert sauces, additional steps may include adding ingredients such as chocolate, caramel or fruit purees.
Dessert sauces are often served warm and therefore need to be prepared close to the serving time. However, they can be stored in the fridge and gently reheated.

Remember, the secret to successful custards and sauces lies in slow cooking and constant stirring. If prepared correctly, these can elevate your desserts to a whole new level. Practice these techniques frequently to ensure perfection in your final dishes.