Maple Creme Brulee For Two Recipes

MAPLE CREME BRULEE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325˚. Bring the heavy cream and vanilla seeds and pod to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and let sit 15 minutes; remove the vanilla pod.
• Make the custard: Whisk the egg yolks, maple syrup, sugar, maple extract and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture, whisking constantly until combined. Whisk in another 1/2 cup, then whisk in the rest. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large liquid measuring cup.
• Set four 6-ounce ramekins in a large roasting pan; divide the custard among the ramekins. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan so it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the roasting pan with foil and carefully transfer to the oven. Bake until the custard is set but the centers still jiggle slightly, 30 to 40 minutes. Uncover and remove the ramekins from the water bath; transfer to a baking sheet and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Working with one ramekin at a time, sprinkle the custard with 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar and melt with a kitchen torch, moving the flame back and forth over the sugar until melted. Let harden, about 5 minutes.

MAPLE SYRUP CREME BRULEE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Pour the heavy cream into a non-reactive saucepan and place over medium heat. While the cream is heating, slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, using a sharp paring knife. Separate the seeds from the skin by scraping the bean with the knife. Place the seeds and skin in the heating cream. Scald the cream by heating it until bubbles start to form around the edge of the pan. Remove from the heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole egg, egg yolks, and maple syrup until well blended. Continue to whisk while slowly pouring the hot cream into the egg mixture and whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous in color. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean pieces and overcooked eggs. Your next step will be made easier if you strain the mixture into a large measuring cup with a spout.
• Place the molds on a baking sheet with 1-inch-high sides. Fill the molds half-full with the custard and set the sheet in the oven (it?s much easier to transfer the sheet with the molds only half-full).
• Now, finish filling the molds to the top. It is important to fill the molds to the top, as the custard will lose volume as it bakes. Traditionally, creme brulee is baked in a hot water bath to insulate the custard from the direct heat of the oven and to keep the eggs from cooking too fast, which would cause them to separate. Using hot water from the tap, pour enough water into the baking sheet to reach halfway up the sides of the molds. If you are using a convection oven, however, a water bath is not needed because the even circulation of the air insulates the custard from the direct heat.
• In either case, baking time is approximately the same, about 40 minutes. When baked correctly, the custard should tremble slightly when gently shaken. If you detect any liquid under the skin, the custard is under baked. Put them back in the oven and shake them every 5 minutes or so until they are ready.
• Remove the molds from the water bath and place on a cooling rack for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for 2 hours (or for to 3 days) before serving; the custards will finish setting in the refrigerator. Let the water bath cool before removing it from the oven.
• Preheat the broiler.
• If condensation occurs during chilling, carefully blot with a paper towel to remove moisture. Place the molds on a clean baking sheet. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the sugar over the top of the custards. It is important to spread the sugar evenly; if it is too thick or too thin in places, the caramelization will not be even across the top. When the broiler is hot, place the sheet about 4 inches under the broiler and broil until the sugar is caramelized. Keep a close eye on the creme brulee during broiling. They are finished when they are light brown. Place each mold on a small dessert plate and serve immediately.
• Wine suggestion: Essencia, Quady Winery