Burnt sugar cream

Crème brûlée – a classic dessert that brings a touch of magic to every meal. This delicacy, with its smooth texture and inviting taste, is perfect for concluding a special dinner or for treating the family on an ordinary day. Let's discover together how to prepare this easy-to-make recipe, but with spectacular results.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 - 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 7 fresh eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (for caramel)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (for the cream)
- 1 liter of milk (preferably 3.5% fat)
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 vanilla pod)

Step by step in preparing Crème brûlée:

1. Preparing the caramel:
In a deep pot of about 3 liters, add the 7 tablespoons of sugar for caramel. Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spatula or spoon. It is essential not to let the sugar burn, so be attentive and continue stirring until a golden and shiny caramel forms. Once the caramel reaches the desired color, use circular motions to spread it evenly on the walls and bottom of the pot. Let it cool until it hardens and starts to crack.

2. Preparing the mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the 7 eggs and whisk them well with a whisk. Add the 7 tablespoons of sugar for the cream and continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then, gradually add the warm milk (not hot) and the vanilla essence. If using a vanilla pod, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds, adding them to the mixture. This will give an intense vanilla flavor.

3. Assembling:
After the caramel has hardened, carefully pour the egg and milk mixture into the pot over the caramel. Make sure the movements are slow to avoid disturbing the caramel layer.

4. Baking:
Place the pot with the cream in a larger tray and fill the tray with warm water, so that it reaches halfway up the pot. This process is called a "water bath" and helps to bake the cream evenly, keeping it soft and creamy. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with the cream in the oven. Let it bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until the cream becomes golden on top and sets.

5. Cooling and serving:
After baking, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight). When you're ready to serve, use a knife to detach the edges of the cream from the pot. Then, with a plate over the pot, quickly invert the cream. The leftover caramel in the pot can be poured over the cream before serving.

Useful tips and variations:

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of crème brûlée contains about 200-250 calories, providing protein from eggs and calcium from milk. It is an indulgent dessert, but in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

- Tricks for perfect caramel: If you want to be creative, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a delicious contrast between sweet and salty. You can also experiment with flavors, adding a few drops of rum or a splash of coffee to the egg mixture.

- Serving: Crème brûlée pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors and textures. You can accompany this dessert with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect indulgent moment.

Frequently asked questions:

- How do I know when the cream is ready? A simple method is to insert a knife in the center of the cream; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

- Can I use skim milk? While you can use skim milk, a richer cream is obtained with whole milk due to its fat content.

- Can crème brûlée be frozen? It is not recommended to freeze the cream, as the texture may spoil. It is best to consume it fresh.

Now that you have all the secrets, all that's left is to start cooking! Crème brûlée will surely become a favorite in your home, and each slice will bring smiles and pleasant memories. Enjoy!