Dutch Vla

     I had no idea when I started looking in to Dutch cooking that they had a huge vla culture. Mostly because I had never heard of vla before. Vla is a dairy based dessert, similar to custard of pudding, but still it's own distinct treat. Vla is something that is always something people keep on hand. It's made with eggs and corn starch to thicken and made with all milk instead of any cream. That in addition to a low amount of sugar means the final dish is light and almost tangy and oh so light. And you can do all kinds of things with it! Lemon is popular, and chocolate, and fruit, and jams, and quite frequently served with yogurt on top. I am including the directions for all the version. 

2 1/2 c. milk

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 whole egg

1 egg yolk

Combine the cornstarch and sugar until mixed. Add the egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add two tablespoons of the milk and whisk again. 

Heat the remaining milk just until it's starting to simmer. Whisk the hot milk slowly, tablespoon mt tablespoon in to the egg mixture. Return the egg and milk mixture to the stove and cook, stirring constantly over medium heat. Keep cooking until the mixture is thick. Remove from the heat and continue stirring, gently, for at least 5 minutes. Chill the vla until thick. 

Chocolate vla

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. water

Simmer until thick. Stir the chocolate syrup in to the vla just as you remove it from the stove and stir for 2 minutes to cook. 

Lemon vla

2 lemons, zest only

3 tbsp. Elderflower cordial

Stir the zest and cordial in to the vla just after you remove it from the stove. 

Additional Mix Ins I used

Red currant jelly

Berries

Yogurt

Lemon curd