To make a delightful pastry cream, begin by gathering your ingredients: 500ml of full-fat milk, 100g of granulated sugar, 4 large egg yolks, 40g of plain flour, and a dash of vanilla extract.

Start by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Gradually whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no lumps.

Once the milk is hot, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the pastry cream into a clean bowl and cover the surface with cling film to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool completely before using it in your favourite desserts, such as éclairs or tarts. Enjoy your creamy creation!