Scrape the vanilla seeds from the vanilla pod. Remember to save the empty pod.
Mix the vanilla seeds with a little sugar on a cutting board to create vanilla sugar.
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and the empty vanilla pod, and heat on high. Bring it to 70-72 degrees Celsius (158-162 degrees Fahrenheit), stirring frequently. Do not let it burn.
In a bowl, mix the 37 grams of sugar with the egg yolks and vanilla seeds/vanilla sugar using a spatula.
When the cream mixture is just below boiling, pour half of it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to create a homogeneous mixture that prevents the eggs from curdling.
Pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture and stir continuously with the spatula.
Heat over medium, continuing to stir. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the saucepan to prevent burning.
Heat until the mixture reaches 80-82 degrees Celsius (176-180 degrees Fahrenheit). When it begins to "thicken," it's nearly ready. Lift the spatula from the saucepan and hold it horizontally. Draw a finger through the cream on the spatula. If the cream does not run, it is ready.