Monday, February 15, 2010

Show Your Love All Year Long

My husband and I do not celebrate Valentine's Day. It is not because we do not want to celebrate how much we love each other, we simply believe that you should show your partner how much you love them each and every day. So, in celebration of everyday being a day to show your significant other how much you love them I present you with mocha creme brulee.
Creme Brulee is simple to make, decadent to eat and the perfect way to surprise the love of your life when they least expect it!

Mocha Creme Brulee
Serves 4
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup 1/2 and 1/2
1 whole vanilla bean
1 tbsp. crushed coffee beans
1/4 cup good cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Heat heavy cream, half/half, vanilla bean and coffee beans to a simmer. Simmer on low 10 minutes. Add cocoa powder to hot mixture and whisk to incorporate. Strain mixture into a bowl to seperate vanilla bean and coffee beans from the custard.
Place egg yolks and sugar in bowl and whisk until thicken and light yellow in color.

Add a small amount of hot cream mixture to egg mixture, whisking while pouring. Pour remaining cream mixture into tempered egg mixture, whisking while pouring in a steady stream.

Divide creme brulee into 4 ramekins and place in 8x8 cake pan. Place into preheated 325 degree oven, fill pan with hot water halfway up the ramekins. ( this is called a water bath and will keep your custard smooth and creamy)

Bake 35-40 minutes until set in the middle.

Chill creme brulee once cooled in the fridge. Before serving sprinkle with granulated sugar and use your kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. If you do not own a kitchen torch simply put under broiler in your oven for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and chill.

11 comments:

Chef E said...

You said it girl! We act like its Valentines Day everyday, start with a smooch, good eats, and end the night with a smooch...life could not get better...well some grand kids would be nice one day, but I can survive...

Barbara said...

You're right, Sarah. Valentine's Day should be every day.
But for those of us with grandkids it's kind of fun to celebrate with cards and candy!
Loving your mocha creme brulee!

Sarah said...

Barbara-
we still do teacher gifts and valentines for the kids class, we just don't celebrate it as a couple :)

Anonymous said...

This is exactly how we feel too. Our daughter wanted some special Valentine's Day treats though :) The mocha creme brulee sounds wonderful!

Fresh Local and Best said...

Happy belated Valentine's Day, Sarah! This looks like a wicked luscious dessert!

Angie's Recipes said...

The picture looks sensational!

Lori said...

I've always liked Valentine's day. We don't go all out, usually eat in, but I enjoy what the day celebrates. These creme brulee look amazing. I've never attempted to make my own at home. I need to get myself a little torch and have at it!

Reeni said...

This looks crazy good! And so pretty in the heart dishes.

Sippity Sup said...

Beautifully romantic thoughts and eats. I don't know how I missed this until now. GREG

bonnie said...

Great post, I love creme brulee and with mocha YUMMY!! Great pics...


Thanks for the following and such kind words,

sweetlife
following you also...

Tangled Noodle said...

Yes - every day should be Valentine's day when you're with your loved one! Now, you've provided me with a delicious version of my husband's favorite dessert. 8-)