On Fri, 10 May 2013 16:28:21 +0100, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

> Ahh ok! I know what you mean now. I expect we would get a similar effect
> using Bird's Custard powder.

Since I'm still thinking about it, I Googled for a recipe.

Vanilla Pudding
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

4 servings

Time 20 minutes, plus chilling

Puddings thickened with cornstarch are dead easy -- practically
foolproof, in fact -- and fairly quick. Start with half-and-half (or
even cream), or at least whole milk. You can thicken skim milk if you
like, but that's like thickening water. Dessert, after all, is
supposed to be a luxury.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional)

Method

1. Put 2 cups of half-and-half or milk, sugar and salt in a small or
medium saucepan over medium-low heat. If using a vanilla bean, split
in half lengthwise and scrape seeds into milk or half-and-half using
small sharp knife, then add pod. Cook just until mixture begins to
steam.

2. Combine cornstarch and remaining milk or half-and-half in a bowl
and blend; there should be no lumps. Fish pod from pot and discard.
Add cornstarch mixture; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture
starts to thicken and barely reaches a boil, about 5 minutes.
Immediately reduce heat to very low and stir for 5 minutes or so until
thick. Stir in butter and vanilla extract, if using.

3. Pour mixture into a 1-quart dish or 4 to 6 small ramekins or bowls.
Put plastic wrap directly on the pudding to prevent formation of a
skin, or do not cover if you like skin. Refrigerate until chilled, and
serve within a day, with whipped cream if you like. Whisk to remove
lumps if needed.

Variations

To make chocolate pudding, shave or finely chop 2 ounces bittersweet
chocolate. Stir into pudding with the butter.

For Banana Pudding, I'll use the variation from Doris Night's recipe:

- Layer dish with vanilla wafers, top with sliced banana and pour
pudding over top. Refrigerate at least 1 hr.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.