Burnt sugar cream

Crème caramel – a classic dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and joy in every spoonful. This recipe, simple yet refined, takes us on a journey of flavors and textures, perfect for both special occasions and a relaxing evening at home. Before we get started, let's discover some details about this delicious dessert.

The history of crème caramel dates back to ancient times, when people discovered the pleasure of combining eggs with milk and sugar, creating a fine, creamy, and sweet dessert. This recipe has been adapted and reinterpreted over the centuries, becoming a favorite in many cultures.

Now, let’s get cooking! This recipe is ideal for 8 servings, with a total preparation time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus 2 hours of cooling. Let’s see what ingredients we need and how we can transform them into an unforgettable delicacy.

Ingredients:
- 8 fresh eggs
- 1 liter of milk
- 2 cups of granulated sugar (one for caramelizing, one for the mixture)
- 2 vanilla extracts (for a more intense flavor, you can also use a vanilla pod)
- 1 tablespoon of flour (to achieve a finer texture)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the flavored milk: In a saucepan, pour 1 liter of milk and add one cup of granulated sugar, along with the two vanilla extracts. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. It’s important not to let the milk boil too hard, otherwise it will thicken too much. Once the sugar is completely melted, remove the saucepan from heat and let the milk cool.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a small pot, add one cup of sugar to caramelize. Place it over medium heat and stir gently to prevent burning. Be careful, as caramelized sugar becomes bitter if left on the heat too long. Once the sugar has taken on a golden color, remove the pot from heat and tilt it to coat the entire interior with caramelized sugar. Let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 8 eggs with one tablespoon of flour using a whisk until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure a fine texture of the crème. Once the milk has cooled, gradually pour it into the bowl with the eggs, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Mix the composition well.

4. Assembling: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture into the pot with the caramelized sugar, taking care not to touch the edges. Then, prepare a larger pot to place the smaller pot in. Fill the larger pot with hot water, up to a quarter of its height. This step is crucial as it helps to bake the crème evenly.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the small pot in the large pot and put everything in the oven. Bake the crème at medium heat for 40 minutes, then reduce the temperature and continue baking at low heat for another 35 minutes. In total, the crème will need about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the consistency with a knife – if it comes out clean, the crème is ready.

6. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the crème caramel cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (ideally, leave it overnight). When you’re ready to serve, use a knife to gently loosen the edges from the sides of the pot. Place a deep plate over the pot and, with a quick motion, invert the crème.

Serving suggestions: This delicacy can be served plain or alongside fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, which add a note of acidity and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the crème. You can also add a caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh eggs, as their quality influences the final taste of the crème.
- If you desire an even more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the milk during boiling.
- Ensure that the water in the large pot is hot, not cold, to maintain a constant temperature during baking.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why do the eggs curdle in the mixture? This happens if the milk is too hot when added to the eggs. Make sure the milk has cooled sufficiently.
- Can I use skim milk? While you can use skim milk, the crème will have a less creamy texture. Whole milk is recommended for optimal consistency.
- How can I store crème caramel? You can keep the crème in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap or a lid.

Nutritional benefits: Crème caramel is a good source of protein due to the eggs and provides calcium from the milk. However, being a sweet dessert, it is important to consume it in moderation.

I hope this crème caramel recipe will inspire you to try making it at home. It’s a dessert that blends tradition with the pleasure of taste, offering you a moment of pure indulgence. Enjoy!