Grape-Nuts Custard in Nanny's Memory

My nanny passed away when I was 10 years of age though one of my fondest memories is of her grapenut custard and how it was a staple in her home. If it was not just a visit but a family dinner at her house, it always came out with a dollop of whipped cream on top. I have been making this for years and cannot help but remember my nanny and smile with each bite. I like it best without the whipped cream and cold from the fridge just like it always was a nanny's house. This recipe gives a nice caramelized almost crisp top and a soft velvety interior. c.2007

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  cups  whole milk
• 3⁄4 cup  Grape-nuts cereal
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 4  eggs
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1⁄16 teaspoon salt
•  butter (to grease casserole)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine the cereal, salt and milk while preparing the remainder.
3. Grease with butter a 2.5 qt casserole dish.
4. In a small bowl or 2 cup measuring cup combine the eggs, vanilla and sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined and emulsified.
5. Pour the cereal and milk mixture into a mixing bowl and add the egg and sugar mixture. Stir well though do not allow to get overly foamy.
6. Pour into the greased casserole and bake 60 minutes. This is done when a knife inserted halfway from the edge to the middle comes out clean.
7. Do not attempt to overbake, it will appear underdone in the middle. Carry over cooking will handle that. Overcooked and it makes a nice albeit sweet hockey puck!