Oooo a new comfort food is discovered ;>P

Coffee Floating Islands in a Chocolate Custard Sea

Today I have discovered I can make my own custard from scratch, real egg yolks and all that! :>O

To use up the egg whites I tried to make Floating Islands to drift in the custard sea - yummmmmm

Two eggs, separated, approx 1 litre of milk, caster sugar, instant coffee, cocoa powder.

Cream egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and 1 tablespoon of good cocoa powder, to a smooth paste, then whisk for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.

In separate large bowl  (I wipe around it with a tiny amount of white vinegar or lemon juice to make sure there is no grease, dry thoroughly with paper towel, it does not affect the flavour)  whisk egg whites with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar (or icing sugar if you have none, but granulated is too coarse) until increased in size and holding stiff peaks. Grind 1 teaspoon of good instant coffee in a cup until a fine powder, and sift onto egg whites, fold in gently until incorporated. If you don't like coffee just leave it out.

Heat milk gently in saucepan, and when simmering place large spoonfuls of egg white mix into pan to cook, make sure there is plenty of room in pan so they don't stick together while cooking.

After approx 2 minutes gently turn Islands over to cook second side, 1-2 mins. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and cook rest of mixture. They should feel 'bouncy' like marshmallows.

Once islands are cooked strain milk into egg yolk mix, whisking all the time to prevent lumps, then return custard mix to pan to cook.

Once custard is ready serve in suitable dessert bowl and place as many Islands on top as you can eat!

You can top with grated chocolate/home made caramel or other suitable finishing touch.

Mmmmmmmm

T