Origin and Popularity
Crème Brûlée is an exquisite dessert whose origin has been the subject of debate over the years. Although its name suggests a French origin, some claim that it actually comes from English cuisine. However, its popularity in France has made its French name widely known around the world.
Preparation and Varieties
Crème Brûlée is a delicious custard-type dessert recipe. It is made with basic ingredients such as eggs, cream, sugar and flavorings such as lemon, vanilla or cinnamon. However, today numerous variations of this dessert have been created, using ingredients such as nuts, fruits, liqueurs and even black truffle, which give it a unique and surprising touch.
Differences with Catalan Cream
Although Crème Brûlée and Crema Catalana share similarities in their preparation, they also present significant differences. Crème Brûlée is characterized by using cream instead of milk, which gives it a creamier texture. In addition, it is cooked in a bain-marie in the oven, while the Crema Catalana is made in a saucepan and cooled in the refrigerator to acquire consistency. Although there are different interpretations of these recipes, it is important to highlight that the renowned pastry chef Paco Torreblanca considers that Crème Brûlée is the modern version of Crema Catalana.
Tips for a Perfect Crème Brûlée
To obtain a perfect Crème Brûlée, it is important to chill the custard well before caramelizing the sugar. This way, the heat of caramelization will not affect the texture of the cream. In addition, there are various recipes and techniques to achieve the perfect caramel, whether using a kitchen torch, grill or salamander. Each method offers different results, so it is advisable to experiment and find the one that best suits your preferences.
Crème Brûlée Recipes
There are numerous Crème Brûlée recipes, each with its own special touch. One of the most appreciated is the one created by Sirio Maccioni, renowned restaurateur of the famous Le Cirque restaurant in New York. You can also find the recipe from pastry chef David Gómez, who works at one of Maccioni’s restaurants, Osteria del Circo. Coming soon, we will share our own Crème Brûlée recipe. Do not miss it!
Conclusion
Crème Brûlée is a fascinating dessert that combines soft creaminess with crunchy caramel. Its origin and popularity have generated debates and led to the creation of various variations. Although it shares similarities with Crema Catalana, it has unique characteristics that make it irresistible. Achieving a perfect Crème Brûlée requires attention to detail and choosing the right technique for caramelizing the sugar. Dare to try different recipes and enjoy this delicious dessert in all its forms!
