Diary of a Foodie

Stout Crème Anglaise

Diary of a Foodie: Season One: Raising the Bar

Makesabout 1 1/2 cups
  • Active Time:20 min
  • Start to Finish:1 1/2 hr (includes chilling)
January 2007
The malty flavor of stout lends welcome contrast to this sweet, creamy dessert sauce. Try it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit. It’s also wonderful with the chocolate stout cake.

Watch this Diary of a Foodie episode and view its accompanying recipes. Plus, explore all episodes and more recipes from the show.
  • 1 cup stout such as Mackeson or Guinness (pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Special equipment:

    an instant-read thermometer
  • Bring beer just to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, then remove from heat.
  • Whisk together yolks, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until combined well. Whisk in cream and vanilla, then add hot beer in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Transfer to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard is thickened and registers 175°F on thermometer (do not let boil), about 5 minutes.
  • Pour custard sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl, then set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir until cool. Remove from ice bath and refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 1 hour.
Cooks’ note: Sauce can be chilled up to 2 days.
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