Custard Slice with Vanilla Syrup
Makes: 20
2 cups of plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder, sifted through flour
1/4 cup caster sugar
185g butter, chopped
1/2 cup semolina
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup of cream
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla essence
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Place flour, baking powder and sugar into a food processor, add butter and process until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. add 1-2 tablespoons of water and process until combined. wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 min.
Meanwhile, combine semolina and caster sugar with a little milk, then add remaining milk and cream. stir over a moderate heat until mixture is thick. cool slightly, add eggs, vanilla and nutmeg. roll 2/3 of the pastry on a lightly-floured surface to 4mm thick, use to line the base and sides of a shallow 16 x 26cm pan. trim the edges. pour the custard into the mix.
Roll remaining pastry to 3mm thick and cut into 1cm strips, lay over the top of the custard. bake at 180C for 30-35 mins or until pastry is crisp. pour over syrup and allow to cool. cut into squares. for the syrup, combine 1/4 cup each of water and sugar in a pan with a split vanilla bean, simmer for 3 min. pour over warm slice before serving.