Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée - a classic dessert with a rich history, cherished by generations. This simple yet delicious recipe, with its impressive effect, will transform any meal into a special experience. Crème brûlée combines the creamy texture of eggs with the sweetness of caramel, offering a fascinating contrast of flavors. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of milk
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one orange (optional)

Necessary utensils:
- A pot for boiling the milk
- A large bowl for mixing the eggs
- A small pot for caramelizing
- A baking dish for the water bath or an oven-safe dish
- A mixer or a fork for beating the eggs
- A round serving platter
- A knife for loosening the crème

Step by step:

1. Preparing the milk: In a pot, add 1 liter of milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the vanilla sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking. Bring the milk to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it cool slightly. For a special flavor, add the grated orange zest to the milk, allowing it to simmer together for a few minutes.

2. Preparing the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them with a mixer or a fork until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. Once the milk has cooled slightly, gradually pour it over the eggs, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.

3. Caramelizing the sugar: In a small pot, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and watch the sugar closely, stirring occasionally. When the sugar melts and turns a golden color, remove it from heat. It is important not to let it burn, as it will develop a bitter taste. Immediately pour the caramel into the pot where the crème will be baked, swirling the pot to evenly distribute the caramel on the bottom and sides.

4. Combining the ingredients: After pouring the caramel, carefully add the milk and egg mixture to the pot, taking care not to disturb the caramel layer at the bottom.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pot in the water bath (or in another larger dish filled with warm water) and bake for about 50 minutes or until the crème becomes firm and develops a golden crust on top.

6. Cooling: Once the crème is ready, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This step is essential to allow the flavors to infuse and to achieve the perfect texture.

7. Serving: When you are ready to serve the crème brûlée, use a knife to loosen the edges of the crème from the sides of the pot. Then, carefully invert it onto a round platter, being careful not to lose the caramel that will flow over the crème.

Personal tip: For an extra flavor, try adding a few drops of almond or rum essence to the milk and egg mixture. This will give an interesting and unique touch to the dessert.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of crème brûlée contains approximately 250-300 calories. This dessert provides protein from the eggs, calcium from the milk, and is a quick source of energy due to its sugar content. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace cow's milk with almond or soy milk, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I avoid curdling the eggs? Make sure the milk is not too hot when adding it to the eggs. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth emulsion.
- What can I do with leftover caramel? If there is leftover caramel, you can use it to decorate other desserts or pour it onto a piece of parchment paper to make caramel candies.

Possible variations: You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa to the milk and egg mixture. Additionally, you can try adding berries or banana slices to the bottom of the pot before adding the crème for a fruitier version.

Serving suggestions: Crème brûlée pairs wonderfully with a fruit sauce, such as raspberry or strawberry puree. A cup of coffee or flavored tea can perfectly complement the dessert, turning it into a moment of indulgence.

Now that you’ve discovered all the secrets of this elegant dessert, all that’s left is to try it! Crème brûlée will surely become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Happy cooking!