Lavender Honey Crème Brûlée – A Delicate French Dessert Recipe

Time and Servings:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 4 servings

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 60mg

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Infuse the Cream:

1. Heat Cream and Lavender: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream and dried lavender. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the cream is just steaming (do not let it boil).
2. Infuse and Strain: Remove from heat and allow the lavender to steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.

Prepare the Custard Base:

3. Mix Egg Yolks and Honey: In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and honey until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the strained cream, followed by vanilla extract.

Bake the Crème Brûlée:

4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dishes: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place four ramekins in a deep baking dish.
5. Fill and Bake: Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.

Cool and Chill:

6. Cool Down: Remove ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Caramelize the Sugar:

7. Sprinkle Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each custard.
8. Torch the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp crust. Allow to cool for a minute to harden.

Tips for Success:

• Lavender Balance: Use culinary-grade lavender sparingly to avoid an overpowering floral flavor.
• Even Caramelization: For best results, hold the kitchen torch a few inches away from the sugar and move it in circular motions.
• Perfect Custard Texture: If the custard appears too wobbly after baking, let it set longer during chilling for the ideal creamy consistency.

Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:

• Wine Pairing: Pair with a light dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling.
• Cocktail Pairing: A Lavender French 75 complements the floral notes beautifully.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Lavender lemonade or chamomile tea enhances the dessert’s soothing flavors.