dinsdag 30 september 2008

TWD: Crème Brûlée with Star Anise and White Chocolate




My moms favourite dessert is Crème Brûlée, so when I found out that Mari at Mevrouw Cupcake picked Crème Brûlée at page 393 of Baking: From My Home to Yours as this weeks recipe I knew I would make my mom a very happy camper.





This was my first attempt at making Crème Brûlée, so I thought (as if it wasn't enough challenge already to make my first Crème Brûlée) I would try something a little bit different: a Crème Brûlée with Star Anise and White Chocolate.



To do this I followed Dorie's directions on how to infuse the flavour of a herb or spice into the Crème Brûlée, so I dropped 8 star anises into the milk and cream, brought that to a boil, took the pan of the fire and let the mixture sit and infuse for 30 to 60 minutes. I let it sit for the full hour, then I removed the star anise and brought the mixture to a boil again. After that I took the mixture of the fire and stirred in 100 grams of white chocolate chips so that they would melt. Then I continued with the normal recipe, which can be found at Mari's blog. I let the Crème Brûlées sit in the oven for the full 60 minutes.



My mom gave this recipe a big thumbs up.I loved the crème brûlée: the texture was perfect, the taste of the star anise was very subtle, maybe a bit too subtle, and the chocolate seemed to make the Crème Brûlée even more creamt. I did think it to was very sweet: I should have used less sugar in the crème brûlée because I put in the white chocolate.... Oops!! I will definetely be making this recipe again, although with a little bit less sugar and a little bit more star anise.

Dad's verdict: 7 out of 10.


P.S. What do you think about my pictures? I bought my new camera last Thursday and I absolutely love it!! It's a simple point and shoot: a Panasonic FS-5. If you want check on my fellow-bloggers, go to TWD!

38 opmerkingen:

Sihan zei

the pictures are perfect my lady! I'm still working on my post. argh.. late again. but nevertheless i love looking at all the entries you lady submitted! so much creativity!

Steph zei

I didn't get to try mine yet because they're still cooling in the fridge. That's cool how you infused your brulee with some star anise.

Your pictures look great! I'm sure you're enjoying playing around with your new gadget!

Prudy zei

What a fabulous variation! Wonderful!

Marie Rayner zei

Oh your brulee's sound delicious! I love that you used star anise and white chocolate. What a wonderful sounding combination!

Pamela zei

I think your pictures look fabulous. Nice job with the changes. It look wonderful and I love the pictures with the little star anise on top.

Jamie zei

Pics are looking good! Star Anise...I have never used this before! Great Idea!

MacDuff zei

This is perfect! I think the chocolate would have been an awesome addition, and the star anise would give it a delicious chai quality. Good job! And my mom loves the brulee, too! It always makes me think of her.

Lori zei

i'd never have thought to try star anise - what a great idea. and the photos, to drool over.

The Food Librarian zei

Your photos look great! The star anise and white chocolate combo sounds great!!!

Melissa zei

Oooh... white chocolate. Yummy!

Nancy/n.o.e zei

It was my first creme brulee also, and I made the tea variation. Also for my mom, whose favorite it is, just like yours! The tea flavor was very subtle, and I agree that I might ramp it up a bit. Your pictures are beautiful and I love the star anise in the middle of the ramekin!
Nancy

Anoniem zei

Wow! White chocolate and creme brulee! Heaven!

Cathy zei

Your pictures are AWESOME, and your creme brulee looks perfect! I am so glad this was a hit!

Engineer Baker zei

Love the star anise add - sounds too tasty. They look wonderful.

sarah j. gim zei

hi there! it's sarah from tastespotting...your picture is a little small - please resubmit with a picture that is larger than 250 px tall! thanks!

Teanna DiMicco zei

SO GORGEOUS! Love that star anise sitting on top! I am impressed!

Peggy zei

wow, for your first attempt it looks so professional. I chickened out on it. I need more courage. You inspire!

Welcome to our crazy blessed life zei

The pictures are lovely! I wondered if you had gotten a new one before I read it. I love what you tried in your Creme Brulee! It looks wonderful!

CM zei

Your pictures are great! That last one with the spoon, well I could just pick up the spoon and eat it!
I think it's awesome that you tried a variation... I did honey and raspberry and found mine too sweet also.

Dee zei

I've been checking back to see when you'd post this! Yay! I noticed too that herbs in infused ice creams and custards are never as prominent as expected. I think ideally, infusions need to be for a longer amount of time. It takes a while to infuse oils, so it makes sense to do it longer for fatty substances like milk and cream. But I'm too impatient to wait overnight :-)

Great pictures too!

NKP zei

I love the star anise on top. So pretty. Great photos!

Unknown zei

star anise! how inspired! nice job :)

Linda zei

That flavor combination sounds fantastic!

And have fun with your new camera! :)

Jacque zei

I think it's great recipe in that you can flavor it so many different ways. I like the idea of using white chocolate... sounds delish!

Liz zei

Your pictures are looking gorgeous! The flavor combo is very creative, too. Maybe next time I'll try adding some melted bittersweet chocolate to mine, it's a great idea.

natalia zei

Ciao marthe ! Ik houd van..(unfortunately my dutch is very poor) the idea of star anise it's a spice I like a lot since I went for a rewind this week it would be an option I'll keep in mind for the time i'll get a blowtorch ! DAG !

CB zei

Does that say "white chocolate"?? Ok I thought Dorie's creme brulee was the perfect food before but your version is so much more perfect! Love me some white chocolate. YUM! Great job!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought

Sandy Smith zei

I love how this looks with the star anise! What a beautiful job you did!

kimberly salem zei

great job with the new camera, very pretty pics! and awesome job on the creme brulee, white choc and star anise sounds delicious!

Rebecca of "Ezra Pound Cake" zei

Oh, lovely! This can't be your first attempt. Perfect.

Shari zei

Mmm. Infusing it with star anise is a great idea!

Anoniem zei

Your pictures are gorgeous. Great!

LyB zei

White chocolate and star anise is a great idea! So many possibilities, so little time... :)

Mari zei

Wat lekker smaakcombinaties! Ik ben blij dat veel mensen hebben hun creatief kant laten zien bij deze recept!

Unknown zei

I chickened out at the last minute at using the broiler but after reading all the great variations everyone has posted, I feel inspired to try every single one! I love the flavor of star anise.

Your pictures look great! I also have a point and shoot Panasonic (DMC FX30) but I'm still trying to figure out the lighting.

Qataria zei

Great creme brulee! And great photography!

Jaime zei

very well done! you got a very evenly caramelized topping, unlike me! :P

La Bella Cooks zei

Your pics are lovely! I always am envious of people who can take great food pics. I need to employ my hubby who can do fantastic pics! I love the little pot you have the creme brulee in and your top came out perfectly caramelized. Just like in a fancy restaurant!