Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Ancient Roman Custard

Incredibly this recipe is over 2000 years old, but really is a just a standard custard. Its ancient name is tyropatinum, which apparently translates as 'a kind of souflee' but i dont find this dish at all like a souflee. I made this last night after dinner...its great winter fare. I cook this when I have extra milk left in the fridge nudging the expiry date. This is another fabulous recipe from my favourite cookbook by Jill Dupleix "Old Food".

500ml milk, warmed in a saucepan with 100gms of wild honey.
Allow to cool for 10 mins.

Whisk 5 whole eggs is a metal bowl.
Strain cooled honey and milk mixture into eggs, whisking further.
Pour combined mixture into an earthenware dish.
Bake of 30-40 minutes in a 160 degree oven.
Use a bain marie for extra specialness. It IS worth it!

Oh, and add ground black pepper on top. It sounds bizarre but balances the sweetness of the honey.

I use Tasmanian leatherwood honey which has a strong, dark and intense flavour that infuses nicely through the custard.My youngest daughter likes it cold for breakfast!

5 comments:

  1. This sounds fabulous! Thank you. Will make this very soon.

    Your daughter sure looks happy! :)
    And I hope your back is improving rapidly.

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  2. glad to find its the recipe thats old and not the food! looks delicious! will definitely give that a go.ta

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  3. Hi Jen

    this yummy custard reminds me of the savoury custards in Japan made with stock instead of milk and served as a dinner dish, sometimes you find a mushroom hidden inside...


    How is the back? improving I hope...

    Happy days

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  4. She looks overhappy with her custard- one for chef Inaki I reckon!

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  5. Thanks all, yes back improving slowly! I'm able to do short walks on flat terrain. thats definitely encouraging. And my oseopath has cleared a few basic yoga poses as not only OK, but beneficial!

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