This custard is a very tasty dessert and is often served with fruit, cookies, or pound cake. Although it is called a sauce, the natilla takes center stage rather than the other way around. Many convents serve it in a large bowl and dust freshly ground canela over a stencil to create a religious symbol or figure on top. I particularly like it with fruit such as mango, guava, or berries.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Combine the milk, lime zest, and canela in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large heatproof bowl and whisk until the cornstarch has dissolved and there are no lumps.
Step 2
Put the bowl on a towel so it doesn’t move around. Gradually whisk half of the hot milk mixture into the egg-yolk mixture, then carefully return everything to the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring often, until it coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3
Strain the mixture and chill over an ice bath. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top so it doesn’t form a crust. When ready to serve, sprinkle some ground canela on top, and enjoy.
