Creme Anglaise

Silky, versatile, and the very soul of elegance, crème anglaise is the undisputed foundation of the patisserie world. More than just a custard, it's the essential base for classic ice creams, airy mousses, and the dreamy Floating Island. But what's the secret? Unlike its thicker cousin, crème pâtissière, this velouté-textured sauce contains no starch, making it a delicate dance of heat. It must never boil; instead, it is carefully "poached" to exactly 185ºF (85ºC) before being rapidly chilled to lock in its sublime texture. In this video, we guide you through the precise technique to master it. Remember, with such a simple recipe, ingredients are paramount: seek out the best whole milk, pasture-raised eggs, and real vanilla.