GRANDMOTHER'S BOILED CUSTARD

Steps:

• Break eggs into the top of a double-boiler and beat well with an electric mixer.
• Measure sugar and cornstarch into a small mixing bowl, stirring well to combine.
• Add sugar mixture, 4 cups of milk and pinch of salt to beaten eggs.
• Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly; adjust heat if necessary so that water simmers constantly but does not reach a hard boil.
• Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until mixture turns an even, golden color and begins to thicken slightly (approximately 20 minutes).
• Remove top of double-boiler from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract.
• Allow custard to cool slightly, and then check the consistency.
• If it is too thick, you may use as much as one additional cup of milk to thin it without compromising the texture or flavor (cold is fine-- no need to heat it first).
• If any solid'pips' have formed, pour custard through a mesh strainer to remove.
• (That sometimes happens if the heat gets a little too high. Won't hurt you, but they're not very appealing.) This may be served warm or cold, but we much prefer it chilled.