Lavender Crème Brûlée I

Lavender Crème Brûlée I Recipe - French Dessert with Vanilla, Eggs, and Milk

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lavender Crème Brûlée is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the creamy richness of a traditional crème brûlée with the subtle floral notes of lavender. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

Crème brûlée, which translates to "burnt cream" in French, is a classic dessert that dates back to the 17th century. The addition of lavender to this traditional recipe adds a modern twist and a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

0.5 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
1.25 cup low-fat milk
1.25 cup fat-free milk
1.5 tsp dried lavender flowers
3 large eggs
4 large egg whites
0.33 cup raw cane sugar plus 6 tsp for topping

How to prepare

Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod. In a medium saucepan, combine the vanilla bean pod and seeds, the milks, and the lavender flowers. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove from the heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Return the pan to medium heat and bring the milk mixture back to a low boil.
Combine the eggs, egg whites, and sugar in a bowl. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly until all the milk has been added.
Strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer or a colander lined with cheesecloth.
Pour 0.5 cup of custard into each of 12 ramekins and place them in a baking pan. Add enough hot water to the baking pan to bring the water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 50 minutes or until the custard is set. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled (1 to 2 hours).
When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Place the ramekins of chilled custard on a baking sheet. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp raw cane sugar in each ramekin and broil quickly until the sugar is caramelized, 1 to 2 minutes.
Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let cool at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the custard mixture.
Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steep the lavender flowers in the milk mixture for the full 30 minutes to infuse the custard with the delicate flavor of lavender.

- Straining the custard before pouring it into the ramekins will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- When caramelizing the sugar on top of the custard, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lavender Crème Brûlée chilled, garnished with fresh lavender sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Lavender Crème Brûlée is to cook the custard gently and evenly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried lavender flowers, you can use lavender extract or lavender syrup as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Lavender Crème Brûlée can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lavender Crème Brûlée in elegant ramekins or glass dishes for a sophisticated presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lavender Crème Brûlée with a glass of champagne or a floral white wine for a perfect dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lavender Crème Brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the ramekins in a water bath and warm in the oven at a low temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lavender Crème Brûlée contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lavender Crème Brûlée contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lavender Crème Brûlée contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lavender Crème Brûlée contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lavender Crème Brûlée is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lavender Crème Brûlée is a decadent dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Lavender Crème Brûlée is a luxurious dessert that combines the creamy richness of a traditional crème brûlée with the delicate flavor of lavender. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Lavender Crème Brûlée. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through a bustling farmer's market in the south of France. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lavender, and I couldn't resist stopping at a small booth selling homemade lavender products.

As I chatted with the friendly vendor, she mentioned that she also had a recipe for Lavender Crème Brûlée that she was willing to share. Intrigued by the thought of combining the delicate floral notes of lavender with the rich creaminess of crème brûlée, I eagerly accepted her offer.

The vendor handed me a weathered piece of parchment with the recipe written in elegant script. She explained that the key to a successful Lavender Crème Brûlée was to infuse the cream with dried lavender buds before baking. She also emphasized the importance of using a blowtorch to achieve the perfect crispy caramelized topping.

Excited to try my hand at this new recipe, I quickly gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. I gently heated the cream with the dried lavender buds, allowing the floral aroma to infuse the liquid. The scent that wafted through my kitchen was truly intoxicating.

Once the cream had absorbed the lavender essence, I carefully strained out the buds and proceeded to mix in the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. I poured the mixture into individual ramekins and placed them in a water bath in the oven to bake.

As the Lavender Crème Brûlée baked, my kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of vanilla and lavender. I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched the custards set and develop a golden hue on top.

After removing the ramekins from the oven and allowing them to cool, I sprinkled a generous layer of sugar on top of each one. Using a blowtorch, I carefully caramelized the sugar until it formed a crunchy topping that cracked satisfyingly with each spoonful.

I couldn't wait to taste my creation. As I took my first bite of the Lavender Crème Brûlée, I was transported to a lavender field in Provence, surrounded by the gentle hum of bees and the warm sun on my skin. The delicate floral notes of the lavender paired perfectly with the creamy custard, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

From that moment on, Lavender Crème Brûlée became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often make it for special occasions or when I wanted to treat myself to a decadent dessert. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that sunny day in the farmer's market and the kind vendor who had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I have shared my recipe for Lavender Crème Brûlée with friends and family, passing on the tradition of infusing cream with lavender and creating a dessert that is both elegant and delicious. It has become a beloved favorite among my loved ones, and I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this exquisite dessert.