Pastry Cream Filling

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 6 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 cup half & half (or 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream plus 1/2 c. whole milk)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  

Directions:

1. In saucepan, blend all ingredients except vanilla. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches the consistency of medium cream sauce. (Seriously, stir constantly. It lumps quickly if you don't keep stirring.)
   
2. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cool quickly. To prevent a skin from forming, brush with melted butter.
   
3. Stir before using.

Makes: About 1 1/3 cups of filling.