Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée: a classic and elegant dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful. This simple yet refined dessert has been savored by generations and continues to be a popular choice due to its delicate flavor and creamy texture. Think of it not just as a dessert, but as a culinary experience that blends technique with art.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 12 tablespoons of sugar (you can use white or brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 6 eggs (at room temperature for better mixing)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can use natural vanilla extract)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra touch of freshness and flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the milk: Start by bringing the milk to a boil. You can use a medium pot, but make sure to watch it constantly to avoid boiling over. This will help the milk reveal its flavors and become a creamy base for your custard. Once the milk begins to boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, add 5 tablespoons of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the sugar melt. Do not stir the sugar in the first few minutes; let it caramelize naturally. When the sugar turns golden, use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to gently swirl it, so it doesn’t burn. Once it reaches a nice caramel color, quickly pour it onto the sides of the saucepan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This step is essential for adding a sweet and aromatic caramel layer to the bottom of the custard.

3. Preparing the egg mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the remaining sugar (7 tablespoons) until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This is when the airy texture of the custard develops. Gradually add the cooled milk, stirring continuously to prevent cooking the eggs. Continue with the vanilla sugar and grated lemon zest, which will provide a wonderful taste and fresh aroma.

4. Combining the ingredients: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan with caramel, being careful not to disturb the caramel too much from the bottom. This will form a delicious crust during baking.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the saucepan in a larger tray filled with hot water (water bath). This will help the custard bake evenly, preventing the eggs from curdling suddenly. Bake the custard for 45-50 minutes or until it is set, and a golden crust forms on top. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

6. Cooling: Once the custard is ready, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy.

Serving and variations:
Crème brûlée is served cold, and a delicious idea is to top it with some fresh fruits or a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors. You can also add a bit of whipped cream on top for a decadent effect. A perfect drink pairing would be a strong espresso, which will complement the sweetness of the dessert.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the egg mixture.
- Don’t forget to use a deep tray for the water bath to avoid spilling water into your custard.

Nutritional benefits:
This crème brûlée recipe is a good source of protein due to the eggs and contains calcium from the milk. However, it is a dessert that should be consumed in moderation, as it has a higher sugar content. A serving of crème brûlée has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use skim milk?
- Yes, but the custard will have a less rich texture. We recommend whole milk for the best experience.

2. How can I tell if the custard is done?
- Check the consistency with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the custard is baked.

3. Can I replace the sugar with a sweetener?
- Yes, but make sure to follow the instructions to achieve a similar result in texture and taste.

This crème brûlée recipe is not just a dessert, but a culinary memory, full of emotion and flavor. Each spoonful will take you on a sensory journey, turning any meal into a special moment. So gather your family and friends, and enjoy this classic dessert that will surely leave an unforgettable impression! Enjoy!