Wild Garlic Custards

This recipe comes from my brother Rory O'Connell. During the 5-6 weeks when wild garlic is in season, it is woven in and out of the menu at the School every day. There are two types of wild garlic: the wider-leafed Allium ursinum, which grows in shady places along the banks of streams and in undisturbed mossy woodland; and Allium triquetrum, with long thin leaves, which grows alongside roadsides and country lanes. The latter is also known as the three-cornered leek or snowbell because it resembles white bluebells.

• Melted butter, for greasing 

• 1 cup heavy cream 

• 1 cup milk 

• 4 organic egg yolks 

• 1 cup Parmesan or Coolea cheese, finely grated 

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 

• Pinch of cayenne pepper 

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped wild garlic 

To serve:

• Wild garlic flowers, to decorate (optional) 

• Fingers of plain toast or triangles of Melba toast 

Preheat the oven to 300°F and brush the inside of eight deep ovenproof cups or ramekins (approx. 3 oz) -- we use deep shot glasses -- with melted butter.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the cream and milk with the egg yolks and the finely grated cheese. Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk again. Add the wild garlic to the custard at the last minute and immediately pour into the cups or ramekins.

Fill a roasting pan with hot water and put in the cups; the water should come about two-thirds of the way up the sides. Cover the tops with a sheet of parchment paper. Depending on the depth of the cups, bake for 30-45 minutes in the preheated oven or until the mixture has just set. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when they are ready.

Serve decorated with some wild garlic flowers, if using, and a few fingers of plain toast or triangles of Melba toast.