The Google searches initiated from my laptop, which are normally recipe oriented, since Easter are looking a bit like this ‘how to keep kids busy during school holidays?’ ‘ Apps for young children’ ‘ways to entertain kids’ and so on. Yes, I almost feel guilty having to kook them up but these vacations are a whole new thing for me. Google came up with 15,800,000 results. Yay! So, I am not alone! There are Pinterest boards on that topic too. I am finding comfort in solidarity!
Despite cooking many new dishes, I hardly got around to photographing anything. I just didn’t have the heart to make the boys wait for food while it was being dressed up and photos taken. I have done that before but now it just didn’t seem fair. It’s been awesome having them around and cooking warm lunches for them but keeping them busy whilst managing my own to-do list is an art that I am yet to master.
These Creme Brulees are perfect little treats for a busy scenario because they are so easy to make. Keep them in the refrigerator and grab one when you have a sweet craving or need a small feel-good after the kids have gone to bed. I love coffee in desserts and this one is addictive.
If you do not own a blow torch, just place the custard under a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes. However, don’t let it sit there for too long as it might overcook the custard.
Coffee Caramel Creme Brulee
2 1/2 cups single/pouring/thin cream
21/2 tsp instant coffee granules
7 egg yolks,
Preheat oven to 150 degrees C. Place six ramekins in a large baking tray or roasting pan.
Place the cream in a small saucepan and heat, over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through (don’t let the cream boil). Remove from heat. Add the coffee and stir till blended.
Meanwhile: place the egg yolks and brown sugar in a medium heatproof bowl. Whisk until well combined.
Gradually add in the warm coffee-cream mixture while stirring constantly with a fork. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a large jug, then pour the mixture evenly into the ramekins.
Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to reach half of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until mixture is just set. Carefully remove the ramekins from the baking tray. Cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until chilled.
When ready to serve, divide caster sugar evenly over the top of the custard in the ramekins. Using a blowtorch, caramelize the sugar till golden brown.