From My Kitchen

What Y&R stars are baking while they’re at home.

INGREDIENTS

4 large eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup cream (“I use 2 cups of half-and-half instead since we don’t drink milk, and to keep the fat down a bit.”) 1/3 cup monk fruit powdered sweetener (“You can substitute Splenda or just use sugar if so desired.”) 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking dish with olive oil butter. (“I use spray ghee from Trader Joe’s.”)

• Hand-whisk all ingredients together vigorously until bubbles sit on top of mixture. (“I don’t use a beater or blender, just muscle and good intentions.”)

• Pour gently into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

From The Chef

Where did you get this recipe? “It was handed down by my Depression-era cook grandmother, Ruby, who raised me till I was 6. I use it all of the time, having raised chickens for 20-plus years, which gave me a ready supply of fresh organic eggs. I’ve been making comfort custard for decades.” Why did you use this recipe while in lockdown? “This custard is super-easy and relatively fast. It can bake while we eat our dinner for a warm and comforting sweet treat before bed.”

Why monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar? “For a more Keto lifestyle.

You can love this creamy treat without guilt over the sugar/carbs. It’s warm, creamy, light and slightly sweet, and full of protein.”

Have you made any additions? “I top with fresh berries or crumbled granola or chopped cashews.”

This recipe seems pretty foolproof. “It turns out perfectly every time. The better you whip the ingredients, the more creamy the cooked texture. Bubbles are the key.”

How often do you make this recipe while sheltering in place? “At least once a week. I don’t eat a lot of sweets, but my daughter is here with me and loves a light, creamy treat.”

Does cooking help you to relieve stress? “I think most of us are learning to be creative to relax in these uncertain times. Cooking, reading, crafting or, in

my case, quilting, are great uses of our creativity and a way to improve ourselves and enrich our loved ones who share our space.”