Caramel Custard (as Mary Prepared It) Recipe

Caramel Custard, also known as crème caramel, is a classic dessert that originated in France. It is a rich and creamy custard dessert with a silky-smooth texture, topped with a luscious layer of caramel sauce. The combination of the sweet caramel and the creamy custard is absolutely irresistible.

Fun Fact: The exact origin of caramel custard is unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in the early 17th century in France. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple dessert in French cuisine.

Now, let's get to the recipe for Caramel Custard as Mary prepared it!

Ingredients:
- 1 pint of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking dish with enough warm water to reach halfway up the sides of your custard cups. This will create a water bath during baking to ensure the custard cooks evenly.

2. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling. Set it aside to cool slightly.

3. In a heavy iron pan, melt the 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat. As it starts to melt, gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even heating. Allow the sugar to continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.

4. Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in a small portion of the hot milk. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble and release steam. Stir the mixture constantly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Gradually add the remaining hot milk to the caramelized sugar, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients. The caramel and milk should meld together to form a smooth mixture. Set the pan aside to cool completely.

Fun Fact: The use of caramel in this custard gives the dessert its distinct sweetness and adds a beautiful color to the end result.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well-beaten. Then, gradually stir in the cooled caramel and milk mixture. Make sure the mixture is well-combined.

7. Pour the custard mixture into individual custard cups or ramekins. Place the cups in the prepared baking dish, and carefully transfer the dish to the preheated oven.

8. Bake the custard cups in the water bath for about 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the custards as they bake.

9. Once the custards are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the water bath for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touch: Before serving, you can release the custards from the cups by gently running a knife around the edges and inverting them onto serving plates. The caramel sauce will flow down and cover the custard.

Caramel Custard is best enjoyed chilled, so keep refrigerated until ready to serve. The silky-smooth texture of the custard combined with the sweet and gooey caramel sauce is simply divine.

Similar recipe dishes you might enjoy include Flan, which is a creamy custard dessert that is traditionally served with caramel sauce and often flavored with vanilla. Another option is Caramel Pudding, which is similar to Caramel Custard but typically set with gelatin for a firmer texture.

Caramel Custard is a timeless and elegant dessert that will make any meal or gathering special. With its smooth, velvety texture and the perfect balance of sweetness, it is sure to delight anyone who tries it. So, give this recipe a try and indulge in a deliciously classic treat!