Wicklewood’s School Day’s Green Custard: A Nostalgic Taste of Childhood

The scent of freshly baked chocolate concrete, a dense, chewy delight that somehow never managed to be truly finished, always signals one thing in my culinary memory banks: the arrival of that vibrant, emerald-green custard. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was an event, a school hall staple that divided opinion amongst my friends in America. But for those of us who navigated the hallowed halls of British state education, it was pure comfort, a creamy, mint-kissed hug in a bowl. The sheer joy of spooning that slightly too-sweet, impossibly green concoction onto a slab of chocolatey goodness is a feeling I’ve chased for years, and recreating Wicklewood’s version brings that cherished nostalgia rushing back.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None (custard thickens quickly)
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: Approximately 1 pint
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with milk alternatives)

Ingredients

For this delightful trip down memory lane, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 3 tablespoons sugar (or your preferred sugar substitute)
• 1 pint milk (whole milk will yield the richest result, but semi-skimmed or a plant-based alternative like oat or soy milk will also work beautifully)
• 3-4 drops green food colouring
• 1 teaspoon peppermint essence (also known as peppermint extract)

Equipment Needed

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A whisk
• A mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and jug
• A serving bowl or individual serving dishes

Instructions

Creating this iconic school-day custard is surprisingly straightforward and remarkably quick, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

1. In your mixing bowl, combine the cornflour and sugar.
2. Gradually add about an ounce (roughly 30ml) of the milk to the bowl, whisking continuously until you achieve a completely smooth paste. It’s crucial to ensure there are no lumps of cornflour at this stage; a smooth paste is the secret to lump-free custard.
3. Meanwhile, pour the remaining milk into your saucepan. Place the saucepan over a medium heat and heat the milk until it is just about to boil. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cornflour mixture from cooking too quickly and developing lumps.
5. Slowly pour the hot milk into the cornflour paste, whisking vigorously as you do so. Continue to stir well to fully incorporate the hot milk into the paste.
6. Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan.
7. Return the saucepan to the heat over a low to medium flame.
8. Continue to boil, stirring continuously with your whisk. This constant stirring is vital to prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure it thickens evenly.
9. Keep stirring and cooking until the custard thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a few minutes once it returns to a gentle boil. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
11. Now for the signature touch: stir in the green food colouring and the peppermint essence. Add the food colouring a drop at a time, stirring after each addition, until you achieve that perfect, nostalgic emerald hue. Then, add the peppermint essence and mix well to distribute the flavour evenly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

While this recipe is wonderfully simple, a few professional touches can elevate your green custard experience.

• Smooth Operator: The key to avoiding lumps is that initial smooth paste. Don’t rush this step, and ensure you’re using room temperature or slightly warmed milk to start the paste.
• Gentle Heat is Best: While you need to bring the mixture to a boil to activate the cornflour’s thickening power, maintain a gentle simmer. Too high a heat can cause it to scorch or thicken too rapidly, leading to lumps.
• Constant Vigilance: Custard making requires your attention. Stirring constantly isn’t just about thickening; it’s about achieving a silky-smooth texture and preventing a skin from forming on top too quickly if you’re not serving it immediately.
• The Colour Wheel: The exact shade of green is subjective and a matter of personal nostalgia. Start with 3 drops of food colouring and add more incrementally until you’re happy with the vibrancy.
• Peppermint Power: Peppermint essence can be potent. Begin with the teaspoon and taste; you can always add a tiny bit more if you prefer a stronger mint flavour.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This green custard is a chameleon when it comes to serving. Traditionally, it’s the perfect companion to the aforementioned chocolate concrete, or even a classic chocolate brownie. For a lighter touch, it’s also delightful served with fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries.

To serve hot: Ladle the custard directly from the saucepan into bowls immediately after making it.

To serve cold: Pour the custard into a serving bowl or individual ramekins. If you plan to refrigerate it, press a piece of cling film directly onto the surface of the custard. This prevents a skin from forming. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It can be enjoyed chilled, offering a refreshing contrast.

Storage: Leftover custard can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavour and colour should hold well during this time.

Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy it warm again, gently reheat the custard in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash more milk if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause it to split.

Nutritional Information

While not a health food, this nostalgic treat offers a comforting warmth. The figures below are approximate and can vary based on the type of milk and sugar substitute used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	130 kcal	7%
Total Fat	4.5 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.8 g	13%
Cholesterol	17 mg	6%
Sodium	60 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	19 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	9.5 g	11%
Protein	4 g	8%

Note: These values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Green Custard: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply substitute the dairy milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk. Oat milk or soy milk work particularly well, providing a good creamy texture. You can also use vegan-friendly sugar.
• For an Adult Twist: As suggested, for a more sophisticated grown-up version, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of Crème de Menthe (green mint liqueur) just before serving. This adds a delightful boozy kick and an intensified mint flavour.
• Double Chocolate Delight: Serve with Wicklewood’s Schooldays Chocolate Concrete for the ultimate nostalgic pairing.
• Beyond Mint: While mint is the classic flavour, feel free to experiment with other essences. A tiny drop of vanilla essence can offer a different, but still comforting, flavour profile. However, for true school-day authenticity, peppermint reigns supreme.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my custard lumpy?
A: Lumps typically form when the cornflour isn’t fully dissolved into a smooth paste with a small amount of cold milk before being added to the hot milk, or if the mixture isn’t stirred constantly while heating.

Q: Can I make this custard ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the custard ahead of time. Allow it to cool, press cling film directly onto the surface to prevent a skin, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: How long does the custard last?
A: Stored correctly in the refrigerator, the custard should last for 2-3 days.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness?
A: Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet custard, or use your preferred sugar substitute according to its sweetening equivalent.

Q: Is green food colouring essential?
A: While the green colour is a hallmark of this nostalgic dish, the flavour is delicious even without it. However, for the full “school day” experience, the green is a must!

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound magic in recreating dishes that transport us back to simpler times. Wicklewood’s School Day’s Green Custard is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a warm embrace from our past, a reminder of school assemblies, playground games, and the simple pleasures of a pudding that made us smile. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or introducing this unique delight to a new generation, the vibrant colour and cool, minty flavour are sure to bring a sense of joy. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity, and savour every spoonful of this iconic British classic. Don’t forget to pair it with its legendary partner, the chocolate concrete, for the ultimate authentic experience!