Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Special equipment needed:
- Kitchen torch
- 6 ramekins
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and hazelnut spread over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the hazelnut spread is fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Slowly pour the hazelnut cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
6. Divide the mixture evenly among the 6 ramekins.
7. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set but still jiggles slightly in the center.
9. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature.
10. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
11. When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tbsp of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard.
12. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and bubbly.
13. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 325°F
Caramelizing temperature: high heat
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 34g
Carbohydrates per serving: 31g
Protein per serving: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Hazelnut spread can be substituted with any other nut butter or chocolate spread.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Top each custard with chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings before caramelizing the sugar.
- Use a different flavor of nut butter or spread, such as almond or peanut butter.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the ramekins to ensure a smooth texture.
- To prevent the custard from cracking while caramelizing the sugar, make sure the custard is fully chilled before adding the sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch with a steady hand to create an even caramelized layer on top of the custard.
Storage instructions:
Store the custards in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Hazelnut Crema Catalana is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, place the custards in a baking dish and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the custards in the ramekins with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Pairings:
Serve Hazelnut Crema Catalana with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Port.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the custard is overcooked, it may curdle or become grainy.
- If the custard is undercooked, it will be too runny and won't set properly.
- If the sugar doesn't caramelize evenly, use a small spoon to spread it out evenly over the surface of the custard.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the custard to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.
Food history:
Crema Catalana is a traditional Spanish dessert that dates back to the 18th century. It is similar to crème brûlée but is flavored with lemon and cinnamon instead of vanilla.
Flavor profiles:
Hazelnut Crema Catalana is rich and creamy with a nutty, chocolatey flavor and a caramelized sugar topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Hazelnut Crema Catalana as a sweet and indulgent dessert after a special dinner or as a treat for a special occasion.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Spanish
Taste: Creamy, Nutty, Sweet, Caramelized, Vanilla