Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 (4- by 1-inch) strip fresh orange zest
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Bring milk with zest to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 20 minutes.
2. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in milk with zest, then transfer mixture to cleaned saucepan.
3. Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until custard thickens enough to coat back of a wooden spoon (170°F on an instant-read thermometer). Immediately pour through a fine sieve into a bowl. Discard zest and stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Chill custard, its surface covered with wax paper (to prevent a skin from forming), until cold, at least 1 hour.