Weight Watchers Vanilla Custard Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (use reduced-fat or skim milk for lower points)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (use reduced-fat or fat-free cream for lower points)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute to reduce WW points)
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• Pinch of salt
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds, and add both the seeds and the vanilla bean pod to the milk mixture. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the mixture.
3. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a gentle simmer. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. If using a vanilla bean, remove the pod.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl with the beaten eggs, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
6. Grease a baking dish or pan with cooking spray.
7. Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Place the baking dish in a larger dish or roasting pan. Add enough hot water to the larger dish to create a water bath for the custard.
9. Carefully transfer the water bath to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
10. Remove the custard bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.
11. Once cooled, refrigerate the custard bars for several hours or overnight to chill and set.
12. When ready to serve, cut the custard into bars or squares.