Golden Vanilla Drink

Preparation

Step 1: Infuse the milk with vanilla

Split the vanilla pods lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Pour the milk into a saucepan, add the pods, the seeds and the vanilla sugar, then heat over low heat until barely simmering.

Turn off the heat, cover and let infuse for 10 minutes so the milk soaks up the vanilla intensely. Remove the pods (you can rinse them and reuse them for another dessert).

Step 2: Prepare the honey-egg base

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the honey until the mixture becomes foamy and pale. Pour in the warm vanilla milk in a thin stream while whisking to temper the yolks without cooking them.

The mixture must be perfectly smooth before returning to the heat: that is the guarantee of a velvety drink.

Step 3: Gently cook the drink

Return everything to the saucepan and thicken over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the drink coats the back of a spoon. It should be slightly thickened but never boiling.

Strain the drink through a fine sieve for a perfectly smooth result, then pour into four cups or tall glasses.

Step 4: Whip the foam and serve

Whip the very cold heavy cream into firm whipped cream, with a pinch of cinnamon. Place a generous spoonful of foam on top of each cup.

Dust with a little cinnamon and serve immediately, piping hot. This drink is a perfect match for a honey biscuit or a slice of apple tart.