Markxxx, I tried to e-mail you at the address listed in your profile, but it bounced back. Anyway, this is what I use:
6-8 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 - 1/3 C sugar
1/8 t salt
2 C milk
1 T vanilla extract
2 C cream
nutmeg
cinnamon
cloves (amounts of spices entirely optional)
Combine eggs, sugar, salt, spices, and milk in a non-aluminum saucepan. Cook over low-to-medium heat, stirring constantly. (If you don’t stir constantly, expect lumps.) Cook until mixture thickens enough to coat a
metal spoon, or as thick as you like. Remove from heat, and continue to stir while you add vanilla and cream. Store in the refrigerator.
It helps if you place the saucepan in a bowl of ice and water to chill it quickly. If you stop stirring while it is still hot, lumps will form. Add rum to taste. This recipe will make about 6 cups and can be doubled as needed.