Iced custard with crystallized fruits

Serves 8 – 10

INGREDIENTS
1 cup (200g) sugar
½ cup (60g) flour
1 egg
3 egg yolks
2 cups (500ml) hot milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 egg whites
1 cup (150g) crystallized fruits, chopped
½ cup (50g) walnuts, chopped
½ cup (125ml) cream, double
1 tablespoon icing sugar, to sweeten whipped cream
crystallized cherries to decorate

PREPARATION
Mix sugar and flour in a saucepan, using a wooden spoon.
Stir in egg yolks, egg and hot milk in a thin stream until all the ingredients are well blended.

Cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture thickens.
Cook for one more minute and remove from heat.
Add vanilla essence.

Set aside to cool completely.
Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff and fold them into the custard.

Fold in crystallized fruits and walnuts.
Spoon into a deep serving dish or into individual serving bowls.
Top with sweetened whipped cream and crystallized cherries.