Thalia Ho
Despite looking, sounding and tasting rather fancy and impressive_,_ butterscotch pots de creme are among the most quick, adaptable and simple to make of all desserts. These traditional French baked custards are sinfully silky, velvety smooth and deeply flavored by the rich taste of caramelized sugar. A final flourish of flaky sea salt and a dollop of creme fraiche elevates these pots de creme to divine territory.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup superfine sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Step 1: Pre-Measure the Ingredients
For the best result, begin by measuring out all of your ingredients.
Thalia Ho
Step 2: Preparation
Heat the oven to 300 F / 150 C. Arrange four to six heatproof ramekins in a baking dish or roasting pan set upon a baking tray. Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
Thalia Ho
Step 3: Boil the Milk and Cream
In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream and whole milk to a gentle rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Thalia Ho
Step 4: Melt the Butter and Sugar
Meanwhile, place the butter and brown sugar in a separate large saucepan set over medium to low heat. Stirring the mixture occasionally with a heatproof spatula, cook until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble and turn golden caramel in color, roughly 15 minutes.
Thalia Ho
Step 5: Combine the Hot Cream and Sugar
Pour the hot cream mixture into the large saucepan with the caramelized brown sugar, and whisk constantly until the seething mixture settles down and is smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and remove from the heat.
Thalia Ho
Step 6: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, yolks, superfine sugar and sea salt until smooth and well combined.
Thalia Ho
Step 7: Combine the Mixtures
Add a drizzle of the warm cream and sugar mixture to the egg mixture, and whisk vigorously to combine. Using this drizzle and whisk technique, slowly add in a quarter more of the cream mixture. Once the eggs are safely acclimatized to the heat, add the remaining cream and sugar mixture in a steady stream, whisking until uniform and combined.
Thalia Ho
Thalia Ho
Step 8: Fill the Ramekins
Strain the mixture into a large liquid measuring cup, and then pour it into the ramekins.
Thalia Ho
Step 9: Place the Boiled Water
Pour enough of the just-boiled water into the baking dish or roasting pan so that it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Thalia Ho
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pots de creme are set around the outside but have a slight jiggle in the center.
Thalia Ho
Step 11: Cool
Let the pots de creme cool in the baking dish or roasting pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Let the pots de creme cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating for at least 2 hours before serving.
Thalia Ho
Step 12: Serve
Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche.
Thalia Ho