May Brings With It National Chocolate Custard Month And Here’s How To Celebrate

May brings with it blooming flowers, long sunny days and a general sense of brightness and hopefulness. But also, it happens to the National Chocolate Custard Month. That’s right! This is the month to celebrate the creamy, delectable dessert. With it's rich and moist texture, it’s a favourtire among dessert enthusiasts everywhere. The chocolate especially gives it a standout taste and makes it more indulgent than other custards. It makes for a comforting, satisfying, easy to make and eat dessert, perfect for any occasion.

The custard has a long history, and the earliest recipes date back all the way to the Middle Ages. At the time, it was popular among the nobility and was often infused with rich spices like saffron and cinnamon. Being able to afford these boasted their high status in society. Chocolate was added to custard much later, since chocolate generally became widely available in the 17th and 18th centuries. Since then, it has become a mainstay and the chocolate custard has become a worldwide hit.

Today, there are several ways of enjoying the chocolate custard, from cooking it on the stovetop in a simple preparation to creating it as an elaborate baked dessert. Bakers often infuse the dessert with flavours like vanilla, coffee or caramel and play around with a mixture of different types of chocolate from dark to milk or even white chocolate. Sometimes, recipes also call for cream or butter to make it even richer and more decadent.

Here’s a simple recipe that you can follow to make this fun dessert yourself, to celebrate this spectacular dessert this month:

Ingredients:

• 500 ml Milk
• 3 tbsp Custard powder or Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• Toppings of choice, as needed, like Oreo cookies, Banana, berries and apple

Directions:

• In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of milk with custard powder and cocoa powder. Whisk well making sure that there are no lumps. Set aside.
• Combine the remaining 2 cups of milk and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a simmer.
• Once the milk comes to a low boil, remove from heat and slowly stir in the custard powder mixture while whisking continuously.
• Put the pan back on heat and cook on medium-low flame, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should coat the back of the spoon.
• Remove from heat and pour into a medium bowl. Stir in vanilla extract. Place a clingwrap right on the surface of the custard to avoid skin formation. Then let the mixture cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
• To serve, top with fruit, cookie crumbs, chopped nuts and enjoy.
  

Notes:

• Preferably use whole milk, but 2% milk will also work.
• Custard powder can be substituted with an equal amount of cornstarch (aka corn flour) in the recipe.
• Use oat or almond milk to make this custard vegan.
• Make sure to constantly whisk the milk after adding the custard slurry. This helps to avoid lump formation and also scalding at the bottom of the saucepan.
• If you want thicker custard, add 1~2 tablespoons more of the custard powder.
• You can make and chill the custard at least 2 days before serving.
• Add fruit or cookie crumb toppings just before serving. Chopped nuts can be added ahead of time.
• If you’re having a party, you can consider making a custard bar. Serve the toppings in individual bowls, so the guests can choose whatever they want. These can include crushed oreos, mini chocolate chips and healthier options like berries, bananas etc. Serve the custard in small jars on the side so the guests can top them however they like.
• Another way to use up leftover custard is to fill a store bought or homemade pie crust with the custard. Chill and serve with whipped cream and berries on top.
• Finally, you can also use leftover custard to fill eclairs or use it as a cake filling.

So whether you make a little portion just for yourself or throw a fun little party in honour of th dessert, however you choose to celebrate National Chocolate Custard Month, be sure to indulge in this delicious dessert and savor every creamy, chocolatey bite.