Caramel cream

Recipe for Burnt Sugar Cream

A sweet treat that has captured the hearts of many families over time, burnt sugar cream is the ideal dessert to conclude a hearty meal. This delicate recipe, with its velvety texture and intense caramel flavor, is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends. Plus, it's easy to prepare, and the result will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

- 10 fresh eggs
- 1000 ml of 3% fat milk
- 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Zest from one lemon
- 8 tablespoons of granulated sugar for caramelizing the pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Start with preparations: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform texture. Also, I recommend using fresh eggs, as they provide a better flavor and finer texture.

2. Boil the milk: In a double-bottomed pot, add the milk, 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. Add the lemon zest for a fresh aroma that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the caramel.

3. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, mixing the yolks and whites until well combined. There’s no need to beat them excessively, just until they become homogeneous.

4. Combine the milk with the eggs: Once the milk reaches boiling point, remove it from the heat. Then, slowly add the egg mixture to the milk, pouring slowly while continuously stirring with a spatula or whisk. This is a crucial step to avoid lumps.

5. Caramelize the sugar: In a baking dish (preferably ceramic or glass), add the 8 tablespoons of sugar for caramelizing. Place the dish over low heat and let the sugar caramelize, stirring gently to prevent burning. The caramel should turn a golden color, but be careful not to leave it on the heat too long, as it can burn quickly.

6. Add the mixture to the dish: Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the dish from the heat and carefully pour the egg and milk mixture into the dish over the caramel. Be careful not to burn yourself!

7. Baking: Prepare a deeper pan for the water bath. Fill it with cold water (about halfway up the cream dish) and place the cream dish inside. Put everything in the preheated oven at 160°C and bake for 45 minutes. Check if the cream is ready using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cream is done!

8. Cooling and serving: Once out of the oven, let the cream cool in the water bath, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours or ideally overnight. The next day, carefully invert the cream onto a platter. The caramel will beautifully flow on top, and the appearance will be truly appetizing.

9. Serving suggestions: Burnt sugar cream can be served plain, but you can add fresh fruit jelly or a fruit compote for a touch of freshness. Arrange some berries around the plate for an elegant look and a delicious taste.

Helpful tips:

- Dairy-free option: You can use almond or coconut milk for a vegan version. The taste will be different but very pleasant.
- Flavor additions: Instead of lemon zest, you can try adding a bit of cinnamon or cardamom to the milk for an exotic taste.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *What do I do if I have lumps in the mixture?* - You can strain the mixture through a sieve to achieve a smooth texture.
- *How can I tell if the cream is done without using a toothpick?* - You can easily check by gently shaking the dish; if the cream doesn’t move too much, it’s done.

Nutritional values for one serving (approximately 100g):
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 6 g

This burnt sugar cream recipe is more than just a simple dessert; it is a symbol of culinary tradition that brings family and friends together. Each spoonful will transport you to a world of flavors and textures, and the joy of preparing and sharing it will make any occasion unforgettable. So, wrap yourself in the delicious aromas of caramel and create beautiful memories around the table!