start the custard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the custard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions in a cooking context, specifically when beginning the process of making custard. Example: "To make the dessert, first, start the custard by heating the milk and whisking in the eggs and sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Start the custard.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

6 While the choux buns are baking, make a start on the custard filling.

The Guardian - Books

But if the last fortnight's events have told us anything, it is that we will know when young radical Muslims are truly integrated into the British way of protest when they learn to stop hurling insults and start throwing custard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pour the infused still-hot cream on to the yolks, stir well or whisk gently, return to the pan and cook until the custard starts to thicken, coating the back of a spoon, with vanilla seeds suspended through it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon over a medium heat until the custard just starts to thicken – a matter of minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Press down gently to aid the absorption of the liquid, then cover and leave in the fridge for at least an hour – but can be left for longer if you want. 4 When ready to serve, bake in a preheated oven at 180C/350F/gas mark 4 for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard has just started to set (but is still a bit wobbly), and the top is golden and puffed up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While the crowds quickly started coming, they weren't there for the custard.

Huffington Post

As Mary McGuigan tells it, before she and her husband, Bob, started a family custard business, their eight children fought loud and hard about what to name the baby enterprise.

The New York Times

If it's overcooked the custard will curdle and you'll have to start again!

WikiHow

A bonus unknown in Naples: breaded and fried risotto balls with hot mozzarella centers to start and unctuous Marsala custard to finish, which make this jolly, tile-lined neighborhood place into an almost-restaurant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Starting with a custard-based ice cream will help your finished ice cream freeze with a creamy, smooth texture.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "start the custard" in a recipe, clearly specify the initial steps, such as gathering ingredients or heating milk. This ensures the cook knows exactly what to do first.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "start the custard" without providing the immediate next action. Be specific: "Start the custard by whisking the eggs and sugar together."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the custard" primarily functions as an instruction or command, typically found in recipes or cooking guides. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start the custard" is a grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to begin making custard. As noted by Ludwig, it is usable in English, primarily in the context of recipes and cooking instructions. Although not very common, the phrase effectively signals the commencement of the custard-making process. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "begin the custard". When using the phrase, ensure you provide clear subsequent steps to guide the cook. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is best suited for informal contexts such as in cooking guides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the custard

Replaces "start" with "begin", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

make a start on the custard

Inverts the structure, focusing on the action of making a start.

commence the custard

Uses "commence" for "start", resulting in a more formal and less common phrasing.

begin work on the custard

Replaces "start" with "begin work", emphasizing the effort involved in making custard.

initiate the custard preparation

Replaces "start" with "initiate" and adds "preparation" for clarity, making the phrase more explicit.

prepare to make the custard

Focuses on the preparation before starting, indicating readiness to begin.

get the custard going

Employs a more informal and colloquial way to express starting the custard.

kick off the custard

Uses "kick off" instead of "start", adding a sense of energy but remaining informal.

proceed with the custard

Suggests moving forward with the custard-making process, suitable when custard is one part of a larger recipe.

undertake the custard

Implies a more involved or complex custard-making process.

FAQs

How can I use "start the custard" in a recipe?

Use "start the custard" to signal the beginning of the custard-making process in your recipe, followed by the initial steps, like "heat the milk" or "whisk the eggs".

What's a more formal way to say "start the custard"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "begin the custard" or "commence the custard". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does it mean to "start the custard"?

To "start the custard" means to initiate the process of making custard. It involves undertaking the initial steps required to create custard, such as combining ingredients and applying heat.

Is it correct to say "make a start on the custard" instead of "start the custard"?

Yes, "make a start on the custard" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "start the custard". Both phrases indicate the beginning of the custard-making process.