Sunday, February 28, 2010

Creme brulle


Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar for the crusts
  • Groceries
  • Baking Pans
  • Cooking Pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Ramekins
  • Wire Whisks
  • Propane Torches
  • Mixing bowls
  1. Step 1

    To make creme brulee, heat the oven to 135 degrees C.

  2. Step 2

    Mix the cream and vanilla extract in a nonreactive pan over low heat until steaming.

  3. Step 3

    When the cream is hot, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well blended.

  4. Step 4

    When cream starts to steam, shut off the heat.

  5. Step 5

    Pour some cream (maybe 1/2 cup) into the egg yolks while whisking quickly. This will slowly heat the yolks, reducing the chance of curdling them.

  6. Step 6

    Remove the whisk from the eggs, start whisking the cream, and steadily pour the yolks into the cream while whisking quickly.

  7. Step 7

    When thoroughly mixed, divide mixture into oven-safe individual ramekins.

  8. Step 8

    For best results, an optional step is to chill the filled ramekins overnight before cooking.

  9. Step 9

    Place ramekins in a tall-sided baking pan. Pour hot water into the pan about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  10. Step 10

    Bake for about 35-45 minutes.

  11. Step 11

    Cover and chill at least two hours.

  12. Step 12

    When ready to serve, sprinkle the top of each serving with a thin, even layer of sugar.

  13. Step 13

    If you have a propane kitchen torch, heat the sugar with the flame until it begins to brown. Stop when it reaches a golden color. It should not get too dark.

  14. Step 14

    Without a torch, use the oven's broiler setting to caramelize the sugar. Broil for 20 to 30 seconds within at least an inch of the flame or heating element.