8-9 eggs, depending on size
2 c. sugar
1 gallon milk
Whole spices to taste (stick cinnamon, allspice)

Heat water in bottom of double boiler. Start heating part of the milk in the top of the double boiler. Beat eggs until well mixed. Add remaining cold milk and sugar. Beat slightly to mix sugar well. Add spices. Add to heated milk and cook over boiling water half an hour after water is boiling rapidly. Stir constantly during cooking. When custard begins to coat the spoon, remove from boiling water and cool, stirring gently from time to time during the cooling. Strain custard when cold, removing spices at that time.