Old-Fashioned Baked Custard
(low fat, low calorie, & diabetic recipe)

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To me, baked custard is definitely a "comfort food." I can eat these custards anytime of the day. I especially like them for breakfast - it's a quick breakfast that provides your protein and calcium with low calories. Perfect when trying to lose weight. My mother, who is diabetic, substitutes SPLENDA® for all the sugar in the recipe.

For more great Low Fat Recipes, Low Calorie Recipes, Low Carbohydrate recipes, and Diabetic  Recipes, check out my Diet Recipe Index.  Also check out my Nutritional Chart for fat grams, carbohydrate grams, and calories for all your favorite foods.

Check out all of Linda's Puddings, Creams, and Custard Recipes.

1 1/2 cups egg whites (equivalent to 6 eggs)*
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup SPLENDA®**
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
3 cups skim or low-fat milk, heated until very hot
Ground nutmeg or ground cinnamon for garnish, optional

* Packaged egg whites can be found in the dairy case of your local grocery store.

** SPLENDA® is a non-calorie sweetener that is made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar. Available at your grocery store.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust oven rack to center position. Lightly butter (or use non-fat vegetable spray) six (6-ounce) custard cups and set them into a large baking dish. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom.

In a large bowl, combine egg whites, sugar, Splenda, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until sugar and Splenda are dissolved. Mix in hot milk, a little at a time, until blended.  Pour egg mixture into prepared custard cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon.

Bring the water for the water bath to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat. Carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come halfway cup the sides of the custard cups.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cup you are using, but begin checking at 20 minutes and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven. Remove from oven and immediately remove cups from water bath; cool on wire rack until room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

Makes 6 servings (depending on size of custard cups).