How to Temper Eggs

Follow these steps to tempering eggs, then watch our how-to video.

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How-To: Temper Eggs

Custards and ice cream bases aren't hard to make — they just need a little handholding to keep the eggs in them from scrambling. Tempering such mixtures is the solution, and here's how you do it.

Step 1: Boil the Milk

Bring the milk to a boil. Once it begins to foam on the edges, lower the temperature.

Step 2: Whisk the Eggs in a Bowl

Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them.

Step 3: Add the Milk to the Eggs

Add the milk in 1/2-cup increments to bring the temperature of the eggs up gradually while whisking. Tip: Whisking the eggs with sugar helps, too.

Step 4: Properly Add the Egg Mixture

Now you can add the tempered eggs to the hot milk without worrying that the eggs will curdle or scramble.

Step 5: Stir as the Custard Thickens

Keep stirring over medium heat as the custard thickens. You're all tempered and all set. Now, with these tempering tips at hand, silky custards and delicious homemade ice creams are at your fingertips.