Step 1

Place the caramelized white chocolate, milk, vanilla bean paste, bourbon, salt and sugar (if using), and heat on medium heat. Stir to ensure that the chocolate and white sugar melt properly.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, cornstarch with a whisk until smooth and the eggs are pale in colour.

Step 3

When the milk starts to steam, drizzle the hot milk into the eggs slowly, while whisking the egg mix (tempering the eggs to prevent them from curdling). After drizzling in about 3/4 cup of the milk and the eggs are warm, pour it back into the milk saucepan and stir to combine.

Step 4

If using vanilla extract - add this at this stage. Keep stirring or whisking consistently to prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan, or curdling. Heat the custard (lower the heat if needed) until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency (when the first bubbles break the surface of the custard).

Step 5

Pour the custard into a bowl and place a sheet of plastic wrap over the custard (touching the surface of the custard) to prevent a skin from forming on top. Let it cool down to room temperature and chill for a few hours.

Step 6

When the custard is chilled, use as is, OR, fold the whipped cream through the custard until just mixed. Cover and leave it in the fridge until ready to use.