Ethel'S Favorite Custard

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Ethel's Favorite Custard offers a creamy, comforting dessert with subtle nutmeg and vanilla flavors, complemented by crunchy Grapenuts cereal, perfect for both warm and cold servings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 cups hot milk
  • vanilla
  • nutmeg
  • Grapenuts cereal

Instructions

  1. Mix the eggs and sugar together.
  2. Slowly add hot milk, beating with a wooden fork.
  3. Add vanilla and nutmeg to the mixture.
  4. Place 1 teaspoon of Grapenuts cereal into each of the six custard cups.
  5. Set the cups in a pan of hot water about an inch deep.
  6. Pour the milk mixture into the custard cups.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a knife inserted comes out clean.
  8. Serve warm or cold.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother custard, ensure the milk is hot but not boiling when added to the egg mixture. You can substitute sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup, for a different flavor. If you prefer a richer custard, consider adding a splash of cream. Nutmeg can be replaced with cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ethel's Favorite Custard warm or cold, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside American recipes like pancakes or waffles for a sweet treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the custard cups in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ethel'S Favorite Custard contains roughly 721 calories, with 8g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

721 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 43.9g 56% DV
Carbs 69.6g 25% DV
Fiber 26.1g 93% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 28.5mg 1% DV
Potassium 521.9mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 2.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.3mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 241mg 19% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Ethel's Favorite Custard a day in advance. Simply bake it, allow it to cool completely, and then refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.

What can I use instead of Grapenuts cereal?

If Grapenuts cereal isn't available, you can use crushed graham crackers or even oats as a substitute. Both will provide a different texture but still add a delightful crunch to the custard.

How do I know when the custard is done baking?

The custard is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. It may still have a slight jiggle but should not be liquid. Check around the 45-minute mark, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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