Egg-free, dairy-free brûléed pastry cream

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Brown sugar, for brûléeing (optional)

Step-by-step preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, mix the coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken into a smooth cream.
3. Keep cooking for about 5–7 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the pastry cream has thickened and is firm.
4. Remove from the heat and let the pastry cream cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. To brûlée it, sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar over the surface and use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar into a crisp, golden layer. Without a torch, place it under the oven grill until the sugar melts and turns golden.