MUNNA'S QUICK EGG CUSTARD

Steps:

• 1. Scald the milk and let it cool. If using canned milk, you can skip the scalding step. Just warm the milk to about 110°F. Preheat oven to 475°F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole dish.
• 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk until well-blended and sugar dissolves. SLOWLY whisk in the scalded milk, in a thin stream, whisking while you add it. (Hint: scalding the milk in a microwave-safe container with a handle and pour spout makes this step easier.)
• 3. Pour mixture into prepared dish, and top with grated nutmeg. Bake at 475°F for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 425°F and continue baking, about 10-12 more minutes. Sometimes this takes 15 minutes in my oven. When done, a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool at room temperature the first hour, then refrigerate.
• 4. Another way we like to serve this is in individual ramekins. The short, fat 1/2-pint canning jars also work well. Butter each ramekin, arrange on a baking sheet, and bake as above until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Mixture will fill 6 ramekins.
• 5. For an interesting holiday twist on this recipe, use egg nog for half or all of the milk in the recipe.