Buddha’s Hand Crème Brûlée

After I was thoroughly impressed with the citrus-y floral notes of Buddha’s Hand, I cannot shake the idea of using it in a custard, off my head. It was going to be either a flan, a brûlée, or a pudding. I was itching to use the new blow-torch I had recently bought. And, crème brûlée was the clear winner. Here is ‘2’ of 1-in-3 – Buddha’s Hand Citron.

Buddha’s Hand Crème Brûlée

Ingredients

Egg yolks – 4
Sugar – 1 tsp + 3 tbsp
Salt – 1/8 tsp
Half and half – 2 cups
Nonfat dry milk – ½ cup
Buddha’s Hand zest – 1 tsp

Sugar – 6 tbsp, for sprinkling over the top

Method

Preheat oven to 300F. Whisk egg yolks, 1 tsp of sugar and salt together and set aside.

In a medium pan, pour half-and-half, along with 3 tbsp of sugar, zest and dry milk. Whisk occasionally while the mixture gently heats. Heat until tiny bubbles form around the edge. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the milk mixture to egg mixture. Mix thoroughly, strain and pour into 6 ramekins.

Place the ramekins in a large baking pan and pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 45- 50 minutes or until the crème brûlée is just set, and the center wiggles when shaken. Remove ramekins from the water bath and cool at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to serve, spread evenly 1 tbsp of sugar on the top of each ramekin. Use a blow torch to caramelize the sugar evenly. Alternately, place the custard under a broiler to blister. Allow brûlée to sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Buddha’s Hand Crème Brûlée

As you can see, I am still learning to use the torch, but I was amused to watch the sugar crystals caramelize, right in front of my eyes. I am sending this to Helen at Tartelette, who is hosting Sugar High Fridays – Citrus this month. Jennifer of The Domestic Goodness is the creator of this event.

30 comments:

Nina Timm said...

I had Creme Brulee's in mind for supper tonight, because we are having friends over, and you have just given me a perfect recipe to try.Thx

sunita said...

That looks beautiful, Sug...hmm,I've been eyeing the blow torch too :-)

Arundathi said...

nice looking brulee...how exciting - a blow torch - its always fun to buy new kitchen implements! :)

Aparna Balasubramanian said...

Just read your previous post and this one too.
I've never seen anything quite like this before!

ranji said...

the creme brulee are simply out of the world!!!too good and as susal fabulous tempting and torturing photos:)

bee said...

that is luscious. and the pics are enticing.

Mansi said...

it looks beautiful Sugs! I made mini-cheesecakes for Helen's event today:) you are getting creative with the Buddha's Hand!!:D

Srivalli said...

suganya..simply superb!..lovely contrast!

Srivalli said...

:(..not sure if my comment came thr...but anyway lovely pictures!

Dee said...

looks fantastic suganya

Sum Raj said...

this recipe looks superb....nice coloured pic asusual...

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! I've actually never tried Buddha's hand, but I'll be on the look out for it now...

ServesYouRight said...

Pure genius - looks delish!

Sum Raj said...

hai suganya...therez a surprise for u on my blog..plzz check it out

Andhra Flavors said...

hey looks tempting this. i remember...... somthing like this...yes, yes junnu.

Anonymous said...

I love creme brulei...this is so creative and yummy!

FH said...

I love Creme Brulee.
I have the torch. Sugar should cover the whole surface and caramelized holding the torch a bit away from top and use swirling motion on top of sugar until it's golden and has a crust.When eating, should be able to crack the top to dig in. Heaven!
Love the photo, yummy idea with Buddha's hand. I just use the usual English custard, boring! :D

Trupti said...

That looks soooo delicious.Thanks for sharing this recipe. Love your photography.

suganya, check my blog there is a nice surprise for you

Laavanya said...

I've been wanting to get a blow torch too... my husband more than me since he loves creme brulee... :) The colour looks great.

Meeta K. Wolff said...

oh this is freaky - we even crave the same type of desserts. But good on you for getting that torch. I do not ever want to be without it! Love this version!

Cynthia said...

You are such a temptress!

Mandira said...

wow looks beautiful, I can only imagine the citrusy creme brulee. Perfect!

vandana rajesh said...

hi, my first visit here. Great blog and lovely pics.

Swati Raman Garg said...

this blog is awesome.. ur pics r super cool... amazing... dont know hoe i missed these... seriuoslt too good...

iDayz said...

Hi there...
thts an awesome post... looks delecious!!! Got a request too.. if u cud add my blog "iDayz" link in ur blog.
http://idayz.blogspot.com/
Regards,
Su.

Gattina Cheung said...

it is totally beautiful, from the ingredients, your recipe and photo!

Anonymous said...

Dear Suganya
Kindly click on the link below. There is something for you there, a way to express our appreciation.

http://pedatha.com/2008/05/26/pedatha-nandans-naamapoo-blog-awards/

Lisa Turner said...

Creme Brulee is on my list of treats to try. Gorgeous! Your photography skills are quite impressive, as always.

Unknown said...

One fruit I am dying to try one day is Buddha's hand...the creme brulees look wonderful! Thank you for your entry!
Tartelette.

Dazy said...

I'm planning to make this tomorrow. I think I'll try to shoot it, but I don't think it will be as pretty as your picture!

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