Crème brûlée is French for "burnt cream." It's all about the contrast between the crisp caramelized topping and smooth, creamy custard beneath.
Some people have the impression that this is a difficult dessert to make. Truthfully, it isn't, if you follow a few tried-and-true steps. The first time I made it (in my twenties) it turned into scrambled eggs, because I did not temper the eggs. Over/under-baked the custard? Burned the sugar topping? Been there, done that. One thing is certain, I do learn from my failures. That said, this particular recipe is pretty fool-proof and simple, a solid "go to" time and time again. Several years ago, I had a client who wanted a small dessert (with no leftovers) once a month. She adored custards, so I made the family a different flavored crème brûlée every month for a year. Once you've tried making this lemony custard, you can go nuts and make pumpkin, chocolate, espresso, butterscotch, bourbon-maple, eggnog, ginger, Earl Grey–the flavor possibilities are endless.
After the recipe, there are some very extremely helpful tips. Please check them out before you start baking!
One nice aspect of this dessert is that it's very easy to adjust. You can easily make 4 or even 2 (which I do when it's just the BF and me) servings, if desired.
Also, you don't need a butane torch. If I'm doing 8 or more custards I will place all on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler. If you do this, you need to place them back in the fridge for awhile to cool, but I'm okay with that, as this keeps the BF calm (he gets nervous when I break out the butane). Have fun with this one!
Adapted from: Bon Appetit, June 2005 and most of the "Tips" from Simply Recipes blog
Number of servings: 8 Ingredients
Directions
NOTES:
4 Comments
Me
5/16/2018 07:56:45 pm
Your comment about how to tell if the custard is done reminded me of a Nigella Lawson episode in which she was making cheesecake. She said you could tell it was done when, if you shook it a bit, the center moved around, "rathe like inner thigh jiggle." I know about using the area between your thumb and finger to determine the doneness of steak, but never heard of 'inner thigh jiggle.' But I knew exactly what she meant, so it was a good reference :).
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5/16/2018 10:14:27 pm
Me---YES!!!! just like "inner thigh jiggle". That actually is the PERFECT description. You are so funny. xoxoxo
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sandra coalman
5/29/2018 02:41:10 pm
when my raspberries get ripe I will give this a try. The Helpful hints were great.
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5/29/2018 03:34:14 pm
Oh Sandra-I hope you try it. Do you have wild raspberries? I ask, because I'll never forget the gorgeous wild blackberries on H's property. They were so delicious and you taught me how to bake a pie. You are the pie-master!!!
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AuthorI'm Jacquie, personal chef & recipe developer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Lover of books, bourbon, chocolate and movies. Archives
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