Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée – a classic delight, with a rich history and a taste that evokes memories of moments spent around the table with loved ones. This simple yet refined recipe combines creamy textures with caramelized sweetness, making it perfect for any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a family gathering. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
- 1 liter of milk
- 8 eggs (4 egg whites and 4 yolks)
- 400 grams of sugar

Necessary utensils
- A saucepan
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A baking dish for a water bath
- An oven

Preparing Crème Brûlée

1. Boiling the milk
Start by pouring the milk into a large saucepan and add 200 grams of the total sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely. In the meantime, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Caramelizing the sugar
In another saucepan, melt the remaining 200 grams of sugar. The heat should be medium, and you need to stir continuously with a wooden spatula or spoon. When the sugar begins to turn golden and melts completely, turn off the heat. With a quick motion, swirl the saucepan to coat the walls with the caramelized sugar. This step is essential, as the caramel will form a delicious crust that adds a perfect contrast to the creamy texture of the custard.

3. Beating the eggs
In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until frothy. Then, in another bowl, beat the yolks until they become a smooth paste. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready, as we will move quickly to the next step.

4. Combining the ingredients
When the milk has started to boil, remove it from the heat and gradually add the beaten egg whites, stirring continuously to avoid them curdling. Then, carefully fold in the beaten yolks. It is important to mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Baking in a water bath
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the caramelized saucepan. Place the saucepan in a larger dish filled with warm water to create a water bath. This step will ensure even baking and prevent the custard from burning. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and bake the custard for about 50 minutes or until well set in the center. A useful trick is to check the custard's consistency with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

6. Cooling and serving
After the custard is baked, turn off the oven and let it sit in the water bath until completely cool. Then, cover the saucepan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight. When you're ready to serve, invert the custard onto a plate. The caramel will form a delicious sauce that will flow over the edges.

Serving suggestions
Crème brûlée is delicious served plain, but if you want to enhance it, you can add some fresh fruits like raspberries or orange slices, or some caramelized nuts for a crunchy accent. A cup of coffee or espresso will perfectly complement this dessert.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of crème brûlée contains approximately 250 calories, providing a good source of protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk. Although it is a sweet dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like vanilla or lemon zest to the milk during boiling. Also, for a lighter version, you can replace part of the milk with coconut milk or almond milk.

Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if the custard is ready?
Check the consistency with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the custard is ready.

- Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will provide a richer flavor and deeper taste.

- What other desserts can I make with the leftover eggs?
You can make a delicious omelet or a simple cake, like a sponge cake.

Personal note
This crème brûlée recipe reminds me of the evenings spent with family when my grandmother made this special dessert for us. Each bite was an explosion of nostalgia, and every meal turned into a moment of joy. I encourage you to share your own story related to this wonderful dessert!

I hope this recipe accompanies you in unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!