Lime Creme Brulee

I love anything that is custard. I must get that from my dad. Custard pie and custard were his favorites. He was always asking “Jeanne dear, can you make me some custard?” So whenever I make anything custard today, it always makes me think of my dad.

Creme brulee is a type of baked custard that is topped with caramelized sugar. It was also known as burnt cream. There is debate on whether it is French or Spanish or English in origin, since it was seen in both France and Spain around the same time, back in the mid 17th century. But then it was also served in England in the 15th century, so once again, who really knows where it originated. Everyone is claiming they created this delicious “burnt cream” dessert. All we know for sure is that it is a favorite dessert the world over.

The other day when I made my Mexican meal, I made a lime creme brulee for dessert. It was a delicious twist to an old classic. I love the hints of lime in it, but then I love anything with lime.

Lime Creme Brulee

This is yet another recipe from my Elote Cafe Cookbook. It is a simple recipe using only a few basic ingredients. As I always say, simple is often the best.

3 whole eggs + 6 egg yolks

1/2 cup lime juice

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla

a pinch of salt

turbinado sugar on top

Preheat the oven to 325*F or 163*C.

Combine everything together and whisk together well. Pour the custard into ramekins and fill to about 3/4 full.

Place the ramekins in a 9×13 baking dish and add enough water to fill the baking dish about 1/2 way with water, to make your bain marie or water bath. This ensures the eggs won’t scramble in the baking process. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until the custard is set. The custard should no longer be liquid.

Once the custard is done, let it cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Add the turbinado sugar on top and caramelize it either by broiling it just long enough for the sugar to turn golden brown and to harden or by using a small kitchen blow torch. Add whipped cream and fresh berries if you like, and it’s time for a delicious burnt cream. !Disfruita!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe, stay well and stay warm. ‘Til next time.