Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large bowl
- Small saucepan
- Serving glasses or mugs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns amber in color, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble and steam, so be careful not to burn yourself.
4. Return the saucepan to low heat and stir in the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat the mixture until it just begins to steam, stirring occasionally.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
6. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
7. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Stir in the toasted walnuts.
8. Pour the caudle into serving glasses or mugs and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Total fat: 26g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 225mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 33g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Instead of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey.
Variations:
- Add a splash of rum or brandy to the caudle for a boozy twist.
- Top the caudle with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Use different spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to customize the flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can burn you.
- Make sure to whisk the egg mixture constantly when adding the hot milk to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- If the caudle is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more milk.
Storage instructions:
Cover and refrigerate the caudle for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the caudle, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the caudle in clear glass mugs or cups to show off the layers of caramel and walnuts.
Garnishes:
Top the caudle with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
Pairings:
Serve the caudle with a plate of cookies or biscotti for dipping.
Suggested side dishes:
This recipe is a dessert and doesn't require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caudle is too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- If the caudle is lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any clumps.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the caudle to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that the eggs are fully cooked.
- Store the caudle in the refrigerator at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Caudle is a traditional English drink made with milk, eggs, and spices. It was often served to women after childbirth as a nourishing and comforting beverage.
Flavor profiles:
This caudle is rich and creamy, with a sweet caramel flavor and a nutty crunch from the toasted walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the caudle chilled as a dessert or a midday snack. It's perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering.
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Caramelized