Cassandra McNeir

cookery writer

Tansy custard

this is an Elizabethan recipe made with tansy - an old-fashioned herb
it has a chrysanthemum-like flavour and although thyme or rosemary may be used instead, tansy gives the real flavour of Tudor England and is surprisingly delicious

Ingredients

 225g/8oz well-rinsed spinach leaves - for colour

about 12 tansy leaves - for flavour

3 eggs

150ml/5fl oz single cream

150ml/5fl oz milk

1 tablespoon unrefined golden granulated sugar

freshly grated nutmeg

to serve:

150ml/5fl oz fresh orange juice

Quantity: serves 6

you will need 6 lightly buttered dariole moulds or ramekins

and a bain marie in which to stand them in the oven to bake  

Method

Place the spinach leaves in a heavy-based pan and cook them lightly in the water than clings to them after rinsing. When they have wilted remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Squeeze the juice into a bowl discarding the pulp and reserving the juice.

Rinse the tansy leaves and rub them through a sieve with 1 tablespoon of water.

Again, discard the pulp and add this juice to the spinach juice.

Beat the eggs, cream, milk, sugar and nutmeg together and stir in the juices.

Divide the mixture between the ramekins.

Place them in the bain marie (water bath) and bake until set.

Leave to cool then run a thin blade round the sides and turn out the custards onto serving dishes. Pour a little orange juice around them and serve. 

Cooking time : 30 minutes

Temperature : 300ºF/150ºC/Gas 2

 

shopping list

alternative drizzles and sauces etc

previously published recipes