1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. 3. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. 4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes). 5. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. 6. Divide the mixture evenly among 6-8 ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. 7. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each ramekin and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it's golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
One serving of Crema Catalana (1 ramekin) contains approximately: - 190 calories - 7g fat - 26g carbohydrates - 5g protein
Tips and Variations
- If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can also caramelize the sugar under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure to keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn! - For a fun twist, you can also infuse the milk with other flavors like orange zest or vanilla bean. - If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the whole milk for low-fat milk or even almond milk. - To make the dessert even more authentic, serve it with some fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or figs.
Conclusion
Crema Catalana is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its silky smooth texture and caramelized sugar topping, it's sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!