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Ingredients for Mandarin Crème Brûlée
To make this delightful twist on the classic crème brûlée, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 mandarins (zested and juiced)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Mandarin Crème Brûlée
Creating this Mandarin Crème Brûlée is straightforward and involves just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make this elegant and refreshing dessert at home:
1. Prepare the Oven and Ramekins:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4 small ramekins (about 6-8 ounces each) in a baking dish. These will hold your crème brûlée mixture as it bakes.
2. Infuse the Cream with Mandarin:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and the zest of 1 mandarin. Heat the cream just until it’s about to simmer, making sure it doesn’t boil. Stir occasionally and allow the zest to infuse the cream with its citrusy aroma for about 3-5 minutes.
Once infused, remove the cream from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain out the zest to ensure a smooth custard.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
Add the mandarin juice from 2-3 mandarins (about 1/4 cup) and the vanilla extract to the egg mixture, and continue whisking until fully incorporated.
4. Temper the Eggs:
To avoid scrambling the eggs, slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture in a thin stream, whisking constantly as you do. This process is called tempering and helps ensure a smooth, creamy custard without curdling the eggs.
Once the cream is fully incorporated into the egg mixture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits or zest that may have slipped through.
5. Bake the Crème Brûlée:
Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins. Then, carefully pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, creating a water bath. The water should reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake the crème brûlées in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly wobbly in the center. To test for doneness, gently tap the side of the ramekin—if the custard jiggles a bit, it’s ready.
6. Chill the Crème Brûlées:
Once baked, remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Afterward, place the ramekins in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until they’re completely cold.
7. Caramelize the Sugar:
Once chilled, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each crème brûlée. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for about 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sugar has formed a crispy, glass-like layer, let the crème brûlées sit for a minute to allow the sugar to harden. Serve immediately, garnished with a slice of fresh mandarin or a sprig of mint, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Infuse the Cream: The longer you infuse the cream with the mandarin zest, the more intense the citrus flavor will be. Be sure to allow the zest to steep in the cream for a few minutes before straining.
- Egg Yolks: Use large egg yolks for the best texture and consistency. The yolks contribute to the richness of the custard.
- Water Bath: The water bath ensures that the crème brûlées cook evenly and gently, resulting in a smooth and creamy custard. Be careful not to let water get into the ramekins.
- Caramelization: If using a kitchen torch, move the flame in small circles to evenly melt the sugar and avoid burning. If broiling, keep a close eye on the ramekins as sugar can burn quickly.
Why You’ll Love Mandarin Crème Brûlée
This Mandarin Crème Brûlée is the perfect dessert to celebrate mandarin season. The citrusy sweetness of the mandarins combined with the smooth, creamy custard and crispy caramelized sugar topping makes for a truly unforgettable dessert. It’s sophisticated, yet easy to make, and is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a treat after a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, this dessert will quickly become a new favorite. The mandarin’s fresh, fragrant flavor takes the classic crème brûlée to a whole new level of deliciousness, and its vibrant color adds a festive touch to any table.
So, embrace the mandarin season and treat yourself and your guests to this delightful dessert. With this recipe, success is guaranteed! 🍊🍮
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