Bird's Custard

Bird's Custard

[[File:|frameless|alt=]]
Alternative names
Type	Custard
Course
Place of origin	United Kingdom
Region or state
Associated national cuisine
Created by	Alfred Bird
Invented
Cooking time	minutes to minutes
Serving temperature
Main ingredients	Cornflour, milk, sugar
Ingredients generally used
Variations
Food energy	kcal
Nutritional value	Protein: g, Fat: g, Carbohydrate: g
Glycemic index
Similar dishes
Other information
Website	[ Official website]

Bird's Custard is a brand of custard powder that was first formulated and manufactured by Alfred Bird in 1837. It is a popular dessert sauce in the United Kingdom and is used as a substitute for traditional egg-based custard.

History

The invention of Bird's Custard is attributed to Alfred Bird, a chemist and food manufacturer, who created the product for his wife who was allergic to eggs. The original formulation was developed in 1837, and it quickly gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and the fact that it did not require eggs, which were a luxury item at the time.

Ingredients

Bird's Custard is primarily made from cornflour (cornstarch), which acts as a thickening agent. The other main ingredients include milk and sugar. The custard powder itself is typically a mixture of cornflour, salt, and flavorings, including vanilla.

Preparation

To prepare Bird's Custard, the powder is mixed with a small amount of milk and sugar to form a paste. Additional milk is then heated and gradually added to the paste while stirring continuously. The mixture is heated until it thickens to the desired consistency. The custard can be served hot or cold, depending on preference.

Uses

Bird's Custard is versatile and can be used in a variety of desserts. It is commonly served as a sauce over fruit, pudding, or cake. It can also be used as a filling for tarts and pastries.

Nutritional Information

Bird's Custard is a source of carbohydrates due to its cornflour content. It is low in fat and protein, especially when made with skimmed milk. The nutritional content can vary depending on the type of milk and the amount of sugar used in preparation.

Cultural Significance

Bird's Custard holds a significant place in British culinary history. It is a staple in many British households and is often associated with traditional British desserts. The brand has become synonymous with custard in the UK, and its distinctive yellow tin is a familiar sight in British kitchens.

Variations

Over the years, Bird's has introduced several variations of its custard powder, including low-sugar and instant versions. These variations cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

See Also

• Custard
• Alfred Bird
• British cuisine

External Links

• [Official Bird's Custard website]

This article is a stub related to food. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!