Three Spice Creme Brulee
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 6 large egg yolks
- 18 pecans
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 raspberries
- 6 small mint sprigs
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Put six 8-ounce ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet or in a large, shallow baking dish.
- For the custard: Put the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, the cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cream comes to a bare simmer.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of the remaining granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of the remaining light brown sugar in a medium bowl.
- Slowly whisk the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture.
- Strain the custard into a pitcher or large measuring cup.
- Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven, then carefully add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake until the custards are just set at the sides and still wobbly in the center, about 30 minutes.
- Remove the ramekins from the water and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
- Leave the oven on.
- For the garnish: While the custards cool, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake until they are brown and toasty-smelling, about 10 minutes.
- Whip the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form.
- To assemble: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the tops of the custards.
- Using a kitchen torch, cook the tops until the sugar melts and turns deep amber.
- Allow the sugar to harden, about 2 minutes.
- Top each creme brulee with a dollop of whipped cream, 3 pecans, a fresh raspberry and a mint sprig, if using.
- Dust with some confectioners' sugar and serve.
- Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, open flame, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- They should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
- When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you.
- Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve.
- Light the gas jet, and blow out the match.
- Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch.
- Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.
heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, cloves, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, egg yolks, pecans, heavy cream, raspberries, mint sprigs, confectioners
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/three-spice-creme-brulee.html (may not work)