Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time your custard mixture is ready.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined to create a uniform custard.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared custard mixture into a round baking dish or divide it evenly among individual ramekins. This allows for versatile serving options, whether you prefer a single dish or individual portions.
4. Add Nutmeg: Lightly sprinkle ground nutmeg over the top of the custard. Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy texture of the custard.
5. Water Bath Baking: Place the baking dish or ramekins into a larger baking pan. Carefully add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the custard dish(es). This water bath method, or bain-marie, helps the custard cook evenly and prevents it from curdling.
6. Bake: Transfer the setup to the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The gentle jiggle indicates a perfectly cooked custard that will set fully as it cools.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove the baking dish or ramekins from the oven and let them cool in the water bath for about 15 minutes. After this initial cooling, take them out of the water bath and refrigerate until fully chilled. Serving the custard chilled enhances its creamy texture and flavor.