Southern Boiled Custard

Step 1
Place milk in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until milk is heated through.

Step 2
Beat eggs in a large bowl until light. Add sugar and mix well. Pour a small portion of hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly, until warmed and thinned. Pour mixture slowly back into hot milk, whisking constantly.

Step 3
Cook and stir until custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. An instant read thermometer inserted into custard should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer custard to a container and chill completely in the refrigerator before serving.