What do you get for the man who has everything? One of these, of course, a cook’s blowtorch. It’s not mine, but I had to write about it as it’s very cool. I decided to attempt Creme Brulee last night, simply because I wanted to play with fire. I like to think that I choose great presents for my family (no doubt they will disagree!) but I really out did myself this time. My brother used it to crisp bacon, mum has had a go on her shepherd’s pie – fun for all the family although perhaps not the littlies.
I found a great recipe for Creme Brulee, something I have never attempted. I don’t understand why not as it’s such a simple, elegant, delicious dessert that rounds off a meal perfectly.
Classic Creme Brulee
8 egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for the caramelized tops)
Preheat oven to 300ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thick and pale yellow. Add cream and vanilla, and continue to whisk until well blended. Strain into a large bowl, skimming off any foam or bubbles.Divide mixture among 6 ramekins or custard cups. Place ramekins in a water bath (large pan filled with 1 or 2 inches of hot water) and bake until set around the edges, but still loose in the center, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled. Remove cups from water bath and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. When ready to serve, sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of sugar over each custard. For best results, use a small, hand-held torch to melt sugar. If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler until sugar melts. Re-chill custards for a few minutes before serving.
Serves 6
Copyright: 2004 Debbie Puente www.cremebrulee.com
Debbie Puente is the author of Elegantly Easy Creme Brulee
Disclaimer: I know all the accents are missing but I can’t figure out how to put them in at the moment!
1 response so far ↓
Simon W // February 24, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Yes a Creme Brulee blowtorch would be a good gift for a man. But i think the perfect toy for a cook would have to be the Henckels Twin Cermax Cooks knife. The Henckels Twin Cermax knife fulfils every knife lovers’ dream and would make a perfect gift . The blade is as sharp as a scalpel, the handle in perfect ergonomic shape, the materials using the latest, state-of-the-art technology. On the other hand you could go for the Siemans Porsche coffee machine which is ultra stylish and modern and would impress your friends.