Rice Crème Brûlée I

Rice Crème Brûlée I Recipe - A Classic French Dessert

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice Crème Brûlée is a delicious and creamy dessert that combines the rich flavors of rice, milk, cream, and eggs with a crunchy caramelized sugar topping. This decadent treat is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal.

History

The origins of Rice Crème Brûlée can be traced back to France, where traditional crème brûlée is a popular dessert. The addition of rice to the custard mixture adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish, making it a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
3 cups milk
1.5 cups light cream
0.5 cup sugar
9 egg yolks
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 tsp almond extract
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup sliced blanched almonds
0.5 cup light brown sugar

How to prepare

Put rice in a baking dish measuring 7.5x12x2 inches.
Scald the milk and cream, but do not boil.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Beat the egg yolks until they become light in color; then add the extracts and salt.
Gradually stir the hot milk into the egg mixture.
Pour the mixture over the rice and stir well.
The custard should be approximately 1.5 inches deep.
Place the dish in a large pan and pour hot water around it.
Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center of the custard comes out clean.
Allow it to cool, then thoroughly chill in the refrigerator.
Sprinkle with almonds and top with brown sugar.
Place it under the broiler for a few minutes or until the sugar melts and runs together.
Serve immediately or chill again and serve cold.
Just before serving, lightly tap the glaze with a knife to shatter it.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard mixture for a boozy twist.
Experiment with different nuts like pecans or pistachios for a unique flavor profile.
Try using coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scald the milk and cream to prevent curdling.

- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.

- Make sure the custard is set before removing it from the oven.

- Chill the custard thoroughly before adding the sugar topping to ensure a crisp and caramelized finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Crème Brûlée with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Rice Crème Brûlée is to bake it in a water bath to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use arborio rice or jasmine rice instead of the traditional white rice.

- Substitute almond extract with coconut extract for a tropical flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice Crème Brûlée can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the sugar topping and caramelize it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rice Crème Brûlée in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rice Crème Brûlée with a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or a cup of espresso for a sophisticated ending to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Rice Crème Brûlée in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the sugar topping is caramelized again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Crème Brûlée contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Crème Brûlée contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Crème Brûlée contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Crème Brûlée contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Crème Brûlée is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Rice Crème Brûlée contains dairy (milk, cream, eggs) and nuts (almonds).

Summary

Rice Crème Brûlée is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins.

Summary

Rice Crème Brûlée is a luxurious and creamy dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With a crunchy sugar topping and a velvety custard base, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Rice Crème Brûlée. It was many years ago, and I was visiting a small village in France. I had always been fascinated by French cuisine, and I couldn't wait to try some authentic dishes.

One day, as I was wandering through the village market, I came across a friendly old woman selling various baked goods. I struck up a conversation with her, and she mentioned that she had a special recipe for Rice Crème Brûlée that had been passed down through her family for generations. My interest was piqued, and I begged her to share the recipe with me.

The old woman smiled and agreed to teach me how to make the dish. We spent the entire afternoon in her cozy kitchen, as she showed me the steps and techniques for creating the perfect Rice Crème Brûlée. I was amazed at how simple and yet delicious the recipe was.

The key to making a good Rice Crème Brûlée, she explained, was to use the finest ingredients and to take your time with each step. The creamy rice pudding base had to be cooked slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. And of course, the finishing touch of caramelizing the sugar on top with a blowtorch was essential for that classic crunchy top.

I returned home from my trip to France with the recipe for Rice Crème Brûlée tucked safely in my pocket. Over the years, I have made this dessert countless times for my family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews.

One of my favorite memories of making Rice Crème Brûlée was when my grandchildren came to visit me for the summer. They had heard me talk about the dish so many times that they begged me to teach them how to make it.

I happily obliged and spent a fun afternoon in the kitchen with my grandkids, showing them the ins and outs of creating the perfect Rice Crème Brûlée. They giggled as we caramelized the sugar on top, and their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite of the creamy dessert.

As the years have passed, I have continued to share this recipe with anyone who is interested. I have taught my children, grandchildren, and even some of my neighbors how to make Rice Crème Brûlée. It brings me so much joy to pass on this delicious recipe and keep the tradition alive.

I often think back to that day in the French village when I first learned how to make Rice Crème Brûlée. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, and I will always be grateful to that kind old woman who shared her family recipe with me.

Now, whenever I make Rice Crème Brûlée, I feel a connection to that village in France and the wonderful memories I made there. And as I watch my loved ones enjoy this delectable dessert, I know that the tradition will continue for generations to come.