Creme Brulee - The Awesome French Dessert

A rich dessert created from vanilla based custard which is served cold and has a warm caramel top is called creme brulee. Meaning "burnt cream" in French, it refers to custard desserts that are finished with a sugar glaze.

This dessert has light and simple flavors and is basically a pudding. The base is made of eggs and cream. Many chefs feel this dessert requires no additions and they choose to make the traditional recipe without additions.

However there are two schools of thought regarding the dessert. Creme brulee can be served in different flavors. For instance, some of the time lemon, rosemary, chocolate, fruit flavored or flavored with a liqueur. Other chefs add spices, nut, liqueurs or toppings to their cream and sugar to complement the dish.

Sometimes cooks will seasonal ingredients to add a festive flair to the dessert. Different liqueurs create a whole new dessert for the person. They add a new touch on a classic dessert.

Creativity is one way a chef can make an award winning dish. Adding festive or decorative touches to the dish can enhance it. Some chefs add it different touches to make the dish their own. They use herbs, sweets and other edible touches for the dish.

Creme brulee is thought to have been created back before the 1690's when it appeared in a cookbook by Francois Massialot. Many countries take credit for creating the dessert and the real origin is still in the air. In the 1870's, the desert was called Cambridge burnt cream or Trinity Cream. Trinity College in Cambridge had the dessert. It was delivered with the college logo imprinted on the top by using a branding iron.

Once made, this dessert is baked in individual ramekins. Sometimes the topping is prepared prior to serving the dessert. If the discs of caramel are made prior to, they are placed on the cold custard right before serving the dish to the person. The topping can be created right before serving the dish by using a butane torch or broiler. This helps caramelize the sugar. Flambe is another technique that can be used.

A cook at home can create this dish successfully. Finding a recipe is the first step to a winning dessert. The internet can be searched or also the old standby of the favorite Betty Crocker or Joy of Cooking cookbook can be used. The person needs to purchase the ingredients and proper equipment for the recipe. Custard dishes or ramekins are a must. They can be easily found at department stores in the cooking section, cooking specialty stores or online.

Creme brulee is a wonderful way to end a meal. This simple yet decadent dessert is a crowd pleaser. Any diner will love this creamy custard with the caramel topping. A cook can be creative and come up with their own additions to make the dish more desirable such as adding spices or flavorings. Use the creativity that is in us all to create a winning dessert for your friends and loved ones.