Burnt sugar cream!

Crème brûlée – a classic, elegant, and delicious dessert. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary tradition, offers a perfect balance between the sweetness of caramel and the creaminess of a fine custard. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply a treat after a long day, crème brûlée proves to be an inspired choice every time. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients for crème brûlée:
- 200 g sugar (for caramel)
- 200 g sugar (for the custard)
- 8 eggs
- 1 liter milk

Before you start:
Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help achieve a more homogeneous texture. Also, prepare your utensils: a saucepan for caramel, another saucepan for custard, a larger bowl for the bain-marie, and a mixer or whisk to beat the eggs.

Step by step for a perfect crème brûlée:

1. Caramelizing the sugar:
In a saucepan, add the 200 g of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula or a metal spoon. It’s important not to let the sugar burn, as burnt caramel will give a bitter taste to the dish. Once the sugar has completely melted and has taken on a golden color, carefully pour it onto the bottom and sides of the saucepan where you will bake the custard. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the custard:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining 200 g of sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to obtain a homogeneous mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved in the eggs. It’s essential not to beat too much to avoid incorporating air into the mixture.

3. Adding the milk:
Bring the milk to a boil, then let it cool slightly. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, stirring continuously. This step is crucial, as the hot milk must be incorporated slowly to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan with the cooled caramel. Ensure that all the caramel is covered with the custard.

5. Baking in a bain-marie:
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the saucepan with the custard in a larger bowl filled with hot water (this is the bain-marie). This baking method will help maintain a constant temperature and prevent excessive browning of the custard. Bake for about one hour or until the custard is set.

6. Checking the consistency:
It’s ready when the surface is slightly browned, and if you insert a skewer, it should come out clean, with a consistency similar to that of thick cream.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the custard cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator to cool completely. When you are ready to serve, invert the custard onto a high plate, ensuring the caramel syrup flows over the top.

8. Serving suggestion:
Serve the crème brûlée cold, possibly with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or with berries for a delicious contrast. This will add a touch of freshness and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Nutritional information:
A serving of crème brûlée (approximately 150 g) contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. It is a good source of protein from eggs and calcium from milk, but like all desserts, it should be consumed in moderation.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add flavors to the egg custard, such as vanilla, lemon or orange zest, or even a splash of rum for a sophisticated touch. You can also replace some of the milk with cream for an even richer taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown sugar for caramel? Yes, brown sugar will give a deeper flavor and a darker color to the caramel.
- How can I avoid bubbles in the custard? Stir gently and do not beat the egg mixture too much.
- Can I make crème brûlée a day in advance? Absolutely, it is a dessert that keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made a day ahead of serving.

So, arm yourself with patience and love for cooking, and let’s enjoy a classic dessert together! Enjoy your meal!