Almond Crunch Custard

Wait, does this recipe for Almond Crunch Custard belong with dessert or pasta? The only way to know for sure is to taste it. Okay, here's a hint: you'll love it at the end of a meal.

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 50 min

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter, softened, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9" deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray.
    
2. Cook orzo according to package directions; set aside.
    
3. In a blender, combine eggs, milk, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, the granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup butter, and the vanilla; blend on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Place mixture in a large bowl then fold in cooked orzo and pour into prepared pie plate. Bake for 40 minutes, or until set.
    
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 1 tablespoon butter, and the slivered almonds. Sprinkle over the custard and broil 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let cool before serving, or cover and chill until ready to use.