Crema della nonna

“Crema della Nonna” is a classic Italian dessert, also known as “Crema pasticcera” or pastry cream. It’s a versatile preparation used as a base in many Italian recipes, like pastiera, or can be served simply with cookies or fresh fruit. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500 ml of whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g of sugar
• 40 g of all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for a lighter cream)
• Zest of 1 untreated lemon
• 1 vanilla pod or a teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preparation

1. In a large saucepan, pour the milk and add the lemon zest and the seeds of the vanilla pod (or the vanilla extract). Bring almost to a boil.
2. In the meantime, in a bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until you have a frothy and light mixture. Add the flour or cornstarch and mix until smooth and lump-free.
3. When the milk is hot, remove the lemon zest (and the vanilla pod if used) and pour it slowly over the egg and sugar mixture, continuing to mix with a whisk to blend well.
4. Transfer the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with the whisk, until the cream thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Once the cream is ready, transfer it to a bowl and cover it with cling film in contact to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
6. Let the cream cool in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Curiosity

Grandma’s Cream is often enriched with additions such as raisins previously soaked in rum or chocolate shavings to give it that extra touch that makes it perfect for filling pastries or as a simple but exquisite spoon dessert.