The Home Channel Creme Caramel

Prep Time: 15 min
Inactive Prep Time: 1 hr 0 min
Cook Time: 55 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 8 (6-ounce) servings

I really love dessert. If I dont have something sweet after dinner, my stomach will bother me until I give it a treat of some kind. Caramel is one of my favorite ingredients in dessert. And whats more classic than Creme Caramel? I like this recipe because it is easy to make, it keeps in the refrigerator for a few days and it has a simple, but dramatic, presentation.

Ingredients

1 cup turbinado sugar (using turbinado sugar for the caramel heightens the flavor)
1/3 cup water
5 whole eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment: 8 (6-ounce) ramekins

Method

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Arrange the ramekins in a roasting pan or baking sheet.
Using a stainless steel pan, combine the turbinado sugar with the water, swirl to blend and heat until it forms a clear syrup. When the sugar and the water have “melted” together completely, raise the heat and watch as the caramel darkens slightly, amber in color. Remove from the heat and immediately divide the caramel evenly between the 8 ramekins. Try to have all the caramel on the bottom of each ramekin and not so much on the sides. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar and salt. In a medium pot, over medium heat bring the milk to a gentle simmer. Add the vanilla and pour it slowly over the egg mixture, whisking to blend. Distribute the liquid evenly between the 8 ramekins. Put at least 1 1/2 inches of water in the bottom of the roasting pan or baking sheet so it makes a “water bath” for the custards as they cook. Put the roasting pan in the center of the oven and bake until they are firm in the center, 45 to 55 minutes. Allow to cool for 30 minutes and then refrigerate until serving.
When the custards are completely cool, run a knife around the top edge of each ramekin and turn the ramekin upside down on the plate. When you lift it, the caramel at the bottom will pour over the custard and form a delicious pool on the plate, which makes for a fun presentation.
Notes
If turbinado sugar is unavailable, replace it with granulated sugar.