Sunday, June 19, 2011

Today's Recipe Attempt... Creme Brulee

Today I am cooking for Shale's family as a combination gift for Father's Day (the husband's dad), Sue's Birthday (the husband's mom) and Khua's Birthday (exchange student living with the husband's family).  I'll be making several recipes which I'll be posting later but one I am so excited to try is Creme Brulee.  Creme Brulee is Sue's favorite dessert and I just recently received a Creme Brulee set that I'm dying to try (yes I'll be using a torch for this and no I'm not a pyromaniac).  When looking for recipes I came across this one which sounds amazing.  It is by Barefoot Contessa (who I love) and her recipes always turn out exactly like predicted!  I can't wait and had to share!!!



Creme Brulee (by Barefoot Contessa)
Ingredients
1 extra-large egg
4 extra-large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for each serving
3 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (recommended by Barefoot Contessa: Grand Marnier)


Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the egg, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of the sugar together on low speed until just combined. Meanwhile, scald the cream in a small saucepan until it's very hot to the touch but not boiled. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cream to the eggs. Add the vanilla and orange liqueur and pour into 6 to 8-ounce ramekins until almost full.
Place the ramekins in a baking pan and carefully pour boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the custards are set when gently shaken. Remove the custards from the water bath, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until firm.
To serve, spread 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly on the top of each ramekin and heat with a kitchen blowtorch until the sugar carmelizes evenly. Allow to sit at room temperature for a minute until the caramelized sugar hardens.

* Propane Gas Torch
Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, open flame and prolonged exposure to sunlight. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas. When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you. Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve. Light the gas jet, and blow out the match. Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch. Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.


1 comment:

  1. Everything was perfect, as usual, Courtney. Thanks so much! The Creme Brulee was FABULOUS and the presentation was lovely. Of course, I LOVE the sundried, feta cheese biscuits!! These will always be one of my favorite recipes. Thanks for making this father's day so memorable!
    Sue

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