Simple Vanilla Creme Brulee with Berry Coulis Recipe

Simple Vanilla Crme Brle with Berry Coulis

Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 4 servings): Calories 723, Total Fat 50 g, Saturated Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 66 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Sugar 61 g, Protein 7 g, Cholesterol 394 mg, Sodium 88 mg
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Crme Brle Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 5 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Berry Coulis Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed berries, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint

Special equipment needed:
- Kitchen blowtorch (optional)

Instructions

1. For the crme brle: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 325F. Arrange four 6-ounce ramekins inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Boil water in a kettle or saucepan.
2. Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and egg yolks. Gradually add the hot cream to the egg mixture, whisking constantly until it thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins. Carefully pour the boiling water into the baking dish so it reaches about two-thirds up the sides of the ramekins, avoiding water entering the custards. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the custards are set and firm when gently shaken. Remove the ramekins and cool them to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4. For the berry coulis: Combine the berries, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and mint in a food processor. Puree until smooth, then refrigerate until needed. Store in an airtight jar for up to two weeks.
5. To serve, sprinkle about a teaspoon of sugar on each custard. Use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar by moving the flame evenly close over the sugar until it turns golden brown. Repeat with remaining custards. Alternatively, sprinkle sugar on each custard and place under a broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting to your broiler's strength.
6. Serve immediately topped with the berry coulis, a few fresh berries, and a sprig of mint.

Safety note: Propane torches are extremely flammable; keep them clear of heat sources, open flames, and prolonged sunlight. Use only in well-ventilated areas and follow all manufacturer safety instructions.