Burnt sugar cream

Crème caramel is a classic dessert, cherished by generations for its smooth texture and sweet taste, with a subtle hint of vanilla. This simple and quick recipe will turn any meal into a special moment. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for using leftover eggs, providing a delicious way to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 liter of milk
- 8 fresh eggs
- 16 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar, to taste

Making crème caramel is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of attention to achieve the perfect texture. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the eggs are fresh - a simple method to check their freshness is to submerge them in a bowl of water. If they float, they are no longer good. You can also use whole milk for a richer taste.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with 8 tablespoons of granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to obtain a smooth mixture. It is important not to overbeat the eggs, as the introduced air can make the cream too frothy.

3. Adding the milk: Then, gradually add the milk while constantly mixing. This will create a uniform mixture without lumps. This is the moment when you can adjust the amount of vanilla sugar according to your preferences.

4. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Choose a deep dish in which you can bake the cream. You can opt for individual ramekins or a large dish. If using individual ramekins, the baking time may be reduced.

5. Caramelizing the sugar: An important detail is caramelizing the sugar. In a small saucepan, add 8 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer over low heat until the sugar turns golden. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly! Pour the caramel into the baking dish, covering the bottom evenly.

6. Pouring the mixture: After the caramel has cooled slightly, carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the caramel. Use a spatula to help distribute it evenly.

7. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the cream is firm to the touch. An effective method is to do the toothpick test - if the toothpick comes out clean, the cream is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cream cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight. This will enhance the flavor and the texture will become perfect. When you are ready to serve, carefully invert the cream onto a platter. The caramel will melt and form a delicious sauce on top.

Variation suggestions: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or lemon zest to the mixture. Also, for a more sophisticated version, try adding a bit of rum or vanilla liqueur.

Now you are ready to enjoy a delicious crème caramel, perfect for any occasion! This recipe is not only simple but will surely impress your guests.