Whim Whams Recipes

SOFT CUSTARD

Steps:

• Heat split vanilla bean, cream, and milk in the top of a double boiler over gently simmering water, until almost boiling.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Scrape vanilla seeds into milk, and discard pod. Pour a little of the hot milk into the eggs, whisking constantly. Pour the remaining hot milk into eggs, still whisking constantly. Transfer the egg mixture back to the double boiler, and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Be sure not to let the mixture boil, because it will curdle.
• Remove the pan from the heat, and pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl set in a bowl of ice water. Stir the mixture as it cools to stop the cooking. When cool, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Will keep 2 days in refrigerator.

WHIM WHAM

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a heavy-based frying pan and fry the almonds until golden brown.
• Stir in the sugar and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the almonds are well coated.
• Tip on to a greased baking sheet and leave to cool.
• About 30 minutes before ready to serve, cover the bottom of a serving bowl with broken sponge fingers or sponge cake.
• Pour the sherry, brandy and orange zest and juice over the sponge and leave to soak for 30 minutes.
• Whip the cream until it just holds its shape, and then gently fold in the yogurt.
• Spoon the mixture on top of the sponge.
• Roughly chop the almonds, sprinkle on top and serve immediately.

18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH WHIM WHAM - BRANDY AND SHERRY TRIFLE

Steps:

• 1. Melt the butter in a heavy-based frying pan and fry the almonds until golden brown. Stir in the sugar and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the almonds are well coated. Tip on to a greased baking sheet and leave to cool.
• 2. About 30 minutes before ready to serve, break the sponge fingers in half and put into a serving bowl. Pour the sherry, brandy and orange rind and juice over and leave to soak for 30 minutes.
• 3. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape, then carefully fold in the yogurt. Spoon it on top of the sponge. Roughly chop the almonds, sprinkle on top and serve immediately.