Catalan cream with acacia syrup

Catalan Cream with Acacia Syrup

If you're looking for an elegant, refined dessert full of flavors, Catalan cream is the perfect choice. This delicious dessert, often compared to the famous crème brûlée, has a rich and fascinating history. It is said to have been created during a celebration in ancient times, and today it continues to impress with its velvety texture and crunchy caramelized sugar crust. In this recipe, we will add a special touch with acacia syrup, which will provide a floral and subtle taste, perfect for complementing the delicate flavors of the cream.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk
- Juice of one lemon
- 100 g acacia-flavored sugar (prepared in advance)
- 2 tablespoons acacia syrup
- 4 egg yolks
- 20 g cornstarch
- Powdered sugar for caramelization

Preparation:

1. Preparing the acacia-flavored sugar: Before starting the actual recipe, it is important to prepare the flavored sugar. In a well-sealed jar, mix 100 g of sugar with fresh (or dried) acacia flowers. Let it sit for a week for the sugar to absorb the floral aroma. This step is essential for achieving an intense and floral taste in your cream.

2. Heating the milk: In a pot, add the 500 ml of milk along with 50 g of the acacia-flavored sugar and the juice of one lemon. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The goal is to reach boiling point, not to let it boil.

3. Mixing the yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 egg yolks with the remaining sugar (50 g) until creamy and lighter in color. Add the cornstarch and acacia syrup, mixing well to avoid lumps.

4. Combining the ingredients: When the milk starts to boil, carefully pour it over the yolk mixture, continuously stirring with a whisk. This technique, known as tempering, helps prevent the yolks from coagulating.

5. Cooking the cream: Put the mixture back in the pot and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly. It is essential not to let the cream boil but to bring it to a boiling point so that it thickens. When the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it is ready.

6. Cooling: Pour the cream into individual molds or one large mold, depending on your preference. Let them cool at room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.

7. Caramelizing: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of powdered sugar over each portion. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crunchy. If you don't have a torch, you can caramelize the sugar in a pan over low heat, being careful to turn it constantly.

8. Serving: Catalan cream with acacia syrup is served cold, with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust on top. You can add edible flowers or a slice of lemon for an elegant decoration.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to try a different version, you can add vanilla extract to the milk for an extra flavor.
- Make sure the flavored sugar is well prepared, as it will make a difference in the final taste of the cream.
- If you can't find acacia flowers, you can use vanilla sugar or coconut sugar to add another aromatic note.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the egg yolks and contains calcium from the milk, making it a good source of nutrients for the body. Additionally, acacia syrup has antioxidant properties, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace cow's milk with almond or coconut milk, but the final texture may vary.
- How long can the cream be kept in the fridge? Catalan cream can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it is recommended to caramelize the sugar just before serving to maintain the crunchy crust.

Perfect pairings:
This delicious cream pairs perfectly with a sweet white wine or a floral herbal tea, such as chamomile tea. It is also excellent alongside crunchy cookies or delicate pastries.

So, get ready to impress with this classic dessert, which will not only bring a smile to your loved ones' faces but also add a touch of refinement to your table. Savor each spoonful of this fine cream and let yourself be carried away by its delightful flavors!