Quote:

Epicurious | © 2004
By Nadia Hassani
Spoonfuls of Germany

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
6 egg yolks
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 cups milk
Seeds from 2 vanilla beans, or 2 tablespoons pure vanilla paste

Chill a metal bowl and the whisk attachment of an electric mixer in the freezer for a few minutes. Then whip the cream until it stands in soft peaks. Chill until needed.

Soak the gelatin in 2/3 cup cold water for 10 minutes.

Beat the egg yolks with the confectioners' sugar in a large metal bowl until they are pale yellow and have a thick, creamy consistency.

Bring the milk and the vanilla seeds to a boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to make sure the milk does not scorch at the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat and slowly pour the milk into the egg yolks, stirring constantly.

Transfer the mixture to a double boiler, or place the metal bowl over a pot of gently boiling water. Continue stirring until the mixture coats a wooden spoon.

Gradually stir in the dissolved gelatin and place the bowl over a large bowl of ice water. Make sure that the mixture is lump-free. If you discover any lumps, quickly strain the cream through a fine sieve. Continue stirring vigorously until the cream starts to cool and stiffen. This is the time to fold in the whipped cream.

Immediately pour the Bavarian cream into a large glass serving bowl or individual serving dishes and chill for several hours until set.