National Chocolate Custard Month

History of National Chocolate Custard Month

Custards have been around since the Middle Ages when they were prepared into pastries called custard tarts. The term ‘custard’ originated from the French word ‘croustade,’ which originally referred to a tart crust. The custard was mentioned in “The Forme of Cury,” a significant collection of 14th-century Medieval English recipes.

Although there is no definitive date for the origin of the chocolate custard tradition, chocolate pudding has been around since the 1800s. Pudding was completely different back then. Common ingredients included butter, flour, suet, cereals, and other ingredients that, when combined, produced a cake-like outcome rather than the pudding we know today. They were also roasted, steamed, and even boiled before reaching their ultimate form. Chocolate pudding was an excellent meal for invalids and youngsters.

National Chocolate Custard Month timeline

1300s

Set Custards Become Popular

Set custards gain popularity because they were more difficult to create than the saucy ones.

1400s

Recipes Written Down

Custard recipes can be found in the “The Forme of Cury,” a 14th-century English compendium of recipes.

1769

The “Queen of Custard”

Elizabeth Raffald becomes the "Queen of Custard," and her book, “The Experienced English Housekeeper” includes 13 custard recipes, both creamy and firm, sweet and savory.

1837

The First Egg-Free Custard is Created

Alfred Bird’s first big invention is egg-free custard — he imitates egg custard, only replacing eggs with cornflour.

National Chocolate Custard Month FAQs

When is National Chocolate Custard Month?

In 2027, National Chocolate Custard Month will again be celebrated all May long, from May 1 to May 31. Get ready for a month of sweet indulgence and culinary exploration.

What is the difference between custard and pudding?

The primary distinction lies in their thickening agents: custards rely on egg yolks for their characteristic smooth, firm texture, while puddings achieve their consistency through starches. This fundamental difference affects mouthfeel and preparation, though both offer delightful dessert experiences.

How popular is chocolate custard?

Chocolate custard holds a strong position in the dessert landscape, with chocolate being a top-tier flavor choice for consumers. Its popularity is consistently high, driven by its rich taste and comforting texture, making it a go-to treat for many across the United States and beyond.

Can custard be savory?

Indeed, savory custards are a common and delicious part of cuisine worldwide. Dishes like quiche Lorraine or various vegetable gratins utilize an egg-and-cream base, proving that custard’s rich texture and ability to bind ingredients are not limited to the dessert course. Explore its savory side for a delightful surprise.

National Chocolate Custard Month Activities

Eat custard

What’s a food-related celebration without enjoying food? Let’s give our taste buds the bliss of chocolate custards.

Try new recipes

We can now access countless custard recipes online. There’s the conventional way of combining eggs with milk or cream. But, you are always free to try to be unconventional. Custard is adaptable enough, after all.

Create some chocolate custard sushi roll

Here is our suggestion for a new recipe, custard sushi roll. It might turn out to be the tastiest roll-up you’ve ever had!

5 Interesting Facts About Custards

Explosive

Custard powder is explosive because it is an extremely fine organic powder.

A mixture of milk and yolk

Custard is a term used to describe several culinary preparations that are made from a cooked mixture of milk or cream and egg yolk.

The texture spectrum

Texture can range from a thin flowing sauce (Crème Anglaise) to a thick pastry cream used to fill éclairs, depending on how much yolk or thickening is used.

Sweets and sauce

The most common custards are used as sweets or sauces and usually contain more sugar and vanilla.

Quiches

Quiches and other savory dishes can also benefit from custard bases.

Why We Love National Chocolate Custard Month

It’s a delectable cuisine

Who would say no to a whole month of eating dessert? No one! This month, whether you love chocolate or custard, the world is yours. You can worry about cavities next month.

It’s a reminder to maintain equilibrium

While we all enjoy chocolates, this holiday month delivers a strong message; everything in moderation. The N.C.A. has worked hard to ensure that the confectionery has easily accessible labeling so that customers know how much sugar they’re consuming.

You can enhance your cooking skills

Making your own chocolate custard to commemorate National Chocolate Custard Month will hone your cooking skills. Get cookin’!