CATALAN CREAM

1. Infuse the Milk

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon zest.
3. Heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and let it infuse for 15–20 minutes.

2. Prepare the Custard Base

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar until pale and creamy.
2. Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold milk to avoid lumps, then add it to the egg mixture.

3. Combine and Cook

1. Strain the infused milk to remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest.
2. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. The custard should thicken but not boil (approximately 5–8 minutes).

4. Chill the Custard

1. Once thickened, pour the custard into individual ramekins or shallow dishes.
2. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

5. Caramelize the Sugar

1. Just before serving, sprinkle 1 tbsp of sugar evenly over each ramekin.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, place the ramekins under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Tips for Perfect Crema Catalana 🌟

• Control the Heat: Cooking the custard over low heat prevents curdling or lumps.
• Torch vs. Broiler: A kitchen torch offers more control, but a broiler works well if you don’t have one.
• Infusion Time: Letting the milk steep longer enhances the cinnamon and lemon flavors.
• Serve Fresh: The caramelized sugar layer is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its crunch.

Variations to Try 🌈

• Chocolate Crema Catalana: Add 50 g (1/4 cup) of dark chocolate to the warm milk for a chocolaty twist.
• Orange Infusion: Swap lemon zest with orange zest for a slightly sweeter citrus note.
• Coffee Flavor: Dissolve 1 tbsp of instant coffee in the milk for a caffeine kick.

Pairing Suggestions 🍴

Catalan Cream pairs beautifully with:

• Espresso or Cappuccino: For a true Mediterranean experience.
• Light Desserts: Serve alongside almond biscotti or fresh fruit.
• Wine: A sweet Spanish sherry or dessert wine complements the custard’s richness.

Wrapping It Up 🍮

Crema Catalana is a testament to Spain’s rich culinary heritage. Its creamy texture, vibrant citrus notes, and satisfying caramel crunch make it a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re recreating memories of a trip to Spain or discovering this treat for the first time, Crema Catalana is a simple yet elegant addition to your repertoire.

Have you tried Crema Catalana before? Share your thoughts or variations in the comments below!