Custards & Creams

I think when most of us dream about the perfect vanilla treat, we envision something sweet and creamy, cozy and comforting, with the sort of texture that reflects the flavor of vanilla itself. Ice creams, puddings, a silky sea of vanilla custard under the crackling burnt sugar crust of a crème brûlèe—this chapter’s recipes are the stuff of vanilla dreams. Even better, most allow you to use the entire vanilla bean and eke out every last bit of flavor.