Ann Cary Randolph's Peas

Preparation

1. Step 1

   If using fresh peas, shell. If using frozen, rinse to defrost and drain well.

2. Step 2

   Melt butter in pot large enough to hold the peas and stock. Stir in flour until well blended. Let cook a little. Stir in the stock slowly, and whisk to keep lumps from forming. Stick cloves into peeled onion and add to pot along with peas. Cook peas about 15 minutes at a simmer. (Cook frozen peas about five minutes.) Remove the onion; stir in the sugar.

3. Step 3

   Whisk the yolks with the water and briskly whisk in a few few spoons of hot stock. Whisking constantly, pour the yolk mixture into the peas and cook over low heat. Cook just below simmer, stirring. When mixture thickens a little, remove; season with salt and serve. Do not let mixture boil or it will curdle.