Crema pastelera de vainilla y queso crema

Ingredientes

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup corn starch
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)

Preparación

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of the milk, the egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar and the corn starch. Whisk until well blended.

2. 2

   In a small sauce pan, heat the remaining 2 cups of milk with the remaining 1/3 cup sugar and the scraped vanilla seeds with the pod. Heat to a simmer then remove the pod and discard.

3. 3

   While whisking, slowly drizzle the hot milk into the bowl with the egg and sugar mixture, making sure to whisk continually.

4. 4

   Pour the entire custard mixture back into the pan and heat just until it thickens up, which should be very quickly.

5. 5

   Reduce to low heat, add the softened cream cheese and beat with the whisk while cooking for about one minute to form a thick creamy custard.

6. 6

   Pour into a large serving bowl (or individual ramekins). Cover with plastic wrap, pushing down on the plastic wrap so that it touches the surface of the custard (this will prevent a skin from forming on the top.) Refrigerate and cool completely before serving.

7. 7

   Spoon into individual serving dishes once chilled. Or, as we show in our photos, place the chilled and thickened custard into a large pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe into individual serving dishes or martini glasses. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.