Paris, the city of lights and love, is known for its fashion, culture, art, and of course, its food. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich flavor and exquisite taste. The city of Paris is famous for several dishes like Escargots de Bourgogne (snails), Coq au Vin (chicken in red wine), and Ratatouille (vegetable stew), but when it comes to dessert, there is one dish that stands out – The Crème Brûlée.
What is Crème Brûlée?
Crème Brûlée is a classic French dessert that has been around since the 17th century. It consists of a rich custard base topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar.
The custard base is made by mixing egg yolks, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. The mixture is then baked in a water bath until it sets.
How to Make Crème Brûlée
Making Crème Brûlée may seem intimidating at first but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- In another bowl whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale yellow in color.
- Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Pour the mixture into four ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set but still jiggly.
- Remove from oven and chill for at least two hours.
- Sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar over each ramekin and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it becomes golden brown.
Where to Find Crème Brûlée in Paris
If you’re visiting Paris and want to try authentic Crème Brûlée, there are several places where you can find it. Here are some of the best places in Paris to try Crème Brûlée:
L’Atelier des Augustins
This charming café located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its delicious Crème Brûlée. The café also has a cozy outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your dessert while soaking up the Parisian ambiance.
Le Comptoir du Relais
Le Comptoir du Relais is a popular restaurant located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés that serves traditional French cuisine. The restaurant’s Crème Brûlée is highly recommended by food critics and locals alike.
Café de Flore
Café de Flore is one of Paris’s most iconic cafés located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The café has been around since 1887 and is known for its rich history and excellent coffee. The Crème Brûlée here is a must-try.
Conclusion
Crème Brûlée is undoubtedly the most famous dessert in Paris. Its rich and creamy custard base topped with a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar is simply irresistible. Whether you’re visiting Paris or making it at home, Crème Brûlée is a dessert that is sure to impress.