Lavender Creme Brulee Recipe

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Butter six (6-ounce) ramekins or custard cups and set them into a glass baking dish.  If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom.  Place custard cups in a shallow ovenproof roasting or baking pan.  Tip: Place a non-stick baking mat (called a silpat) or a tea towel on the bottom of your baking dish to both insulate and keep the ramekins firmly in place.

In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, add cream and the lavender flowers; heat just to a simmer.  Remove from heat and allow lavender flowers to infuse with the cream for 5 minutes.  Strain cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender flowers: discard lavender flowers.  Learn about cooking with Culinary Lavender.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until light and creamy. Slowly add the strained cream to the egg mixture, blending well. Divide custard mixture among the custard cups.

Bring the water for the water bath to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups.  NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat.

Definition of Water Bath or Bain-Marie (bahn mah-REE) - A hot water bath or bain-marie are used to cook custards and baked eggs in the oven without curdling or cracking, and also used to hold sauces and to clarify butter.  Water baths are most often used for egg-based dishes.  The proteins in the eggs are very heat sensitive and only need to be warmed to cook thoroughly.  They will start to get firm at only 145 degrees.  Cooking them with a slow, gentle heat keeps the eggs soft and smooth.

Baked 60 minutes or until set around the edges but still loose in the center.  The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cups you are using and the altitude you are at.  Begin checking at a half hour and check back regularly.  When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven.  If using a digital instant-read thermometer, inserted in the centers, the internal temperature should register approximately 170 to 175 degrees F.  Begin checking temperature about 5 minutes before recommended time.

High Altitude Cooking: Custards with a water bath will often need additional water during the baking time. Also your custards will need a longer cooking time because the altitude causes the water to evaporate faster.

Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled.  Remove cups from water bath and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

Finishing the Creme Brulees:  Finish the custards right before serving. 

When ready to serve, sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of remaining sugar over each creme brulee.  For best results, use a small hand held propane torch.  Hold the torch 4 to 5 inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion.  Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after flame has been removed.

If you don't have a torch, place creme brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.  Refrigerate creme brulees at least 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings (depending on size of custard cups).