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Okay, I totally admit it - I'm a HUGE sucker for caramel.
In fact, at the risk of being tarred and feathered by some, I actually prefer it to chocolate. Of course, if you're a friend and frequent visitor here at The Café, you already know this, since I'm forever coming up with one type of caramel concoction or another. Like this Ridiculously Easy Caramel Sauce or these Caramel Pecan Hand Pies. Then there's my Pumpkin Pie Caramel Corn (made in the microwave!) and these yummy Apple Cider Caramels.
You know what I just realized? You and I could be here just about all day if I shared links for all my caramel recipes. I typed the word "caramel" in The Café search bar - wow, there are TONS of caramel recipes. If you think I'm kidding, you can check it out for yourself here.
On a side note, while we're on the subject of caramel, I have to share a huge surprise that we received this past weekend. Scott and I attended a wonderful food blogger's conference called Mixed, held at a lovely resort way up high on a mountaintop in central Virginia. The folks at Dixie Crystals held a cookie contest with a grand prize of a free conference ticket and $500. I entered my Old Fashioned Shortbread Cookies with (yup, you guessed it!) Salted Caramel and... we won!! I'm still in a state of shock as I've never been one to win anything.
Today, I'm adding another caramel recipe to the collection. Everyone seems to go crazy for these Salted Caramel Pots de Créme.
They sound a bit fancy, but they can be made in advance and don't take long at all to put together. They're really quite down-home (like a good old-fashioned caramel pudding), but sophisticated (a French classic) at the same time. This crowd-pleaser can be made ahead of time, it’s very portable, and it makes a gorgeous presentation served in pretty little bowls.
If you’re feeling a bit stressed about the upcoming holidays or an upcoming dinner party, make your life a little easier by trying this simple technique for entertaining, and be sure to try a batch of these Salted Caramel Pots de Crème. You won’t regret it. Oh, and just to be really prepared, take a few practice bows in front of the mirror, in case you get a standing ovation!
This wonderful dessert can also be seen over at Parade Magazine.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar divided
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup half & half
- 6 egg yolks from large eggs
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch kosher salt
- sea salt for garnish
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In a heavy duty medium size saucepan, combine ¾ cup brown sugar and¼ cup water. Cover pan and bring to a boil. This will take just a minute or two, then uncover, reduce to a very low, but constant simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Do not stir, but swirl the pan frequently to prevent burning.
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Add half and half. Stir to combine. Return mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low, constant simmer and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scrape down sides of pot with a spatula once or twice during this cooking time. Mixture will thicken towards the end. Remove from heat and cool for 20 minutes.
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While mixture is cooling, preheat the oven to 350˚F.
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Whisk together the eggs, cream, remaining ¼ cup dark brown sugar, salt and vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. (This step is not necessary but will make for a silky smooth, finished product.)
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When caramel has cooled, slowly add egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously.
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Divide the mixture between 6-8 small ramekins or oven-proof dishes. Place ramekins in a baking pan with high sides (a 9x13-inch cake pan works great). Pour hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Deeper ramekins will take a bit longer than shallow ones. Pots de Créme are finished when custard wiggles just slightly when pan is gently moved.
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Remove from oven and allow pots de creme to remain in water bath till cool enough to handle, then remove and refrigerate for at least an hour, covered with plastic wrap. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt as a garnish when serving. I like to serve with a separate bowl of whipped cream and allow guests to enjoy as desired.
Janet says
What a beautiful recipe, Chris! Cannot wait to try this!
Congratulations again on your win - Your cookies were amazing and deserved to take top honors!
xo
bellini says
I do enjoy chocolate but caramel is my kryptonite, and salted caramel leaves me weak in the knees.
Angie Schneider says
Congratulations, Chris!
The caramel creme look divine!
Cuisine de Provence says
Congratulations, you so deserve the prize!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
They sound great and the pics are gorgeous Chris! Happy Thanksgiving-enjoy:@)
Rashida Shaikh says
Hi,
Congrats!
You deserved it dear.I like your place so much...always get to see lots of goodies.
Have a lovely week ahead!
Foodycat says
These look so good! And congratulations on the cookie win!
Lenia says
You are an artist,dear!Love your food styling and pictures!
Kisses,dear!
Ginny says
These look totally amazing!!!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Looks amazing! Pinned because we are definitely making this once Thanksgiving madness is over!
mia xara says
Congratulations Chris, on winning the first prize!!! Also, your Pots de creme look so delicious!!! 🙂
Marcie FlavortheMoments says
These look absolutely incredible, and congrats to you!
Kate | Food Babbles says
I can see why everyone would go crazy for these pots de creme! If they're even half as good as this salted caramel shortbread cookies, I'll be coming back for seconds. Congratulations on your win! I loved your cookies. I'm such a sucker for salted caramel. Lovely meeting your this weekend and so happy to have found your site.
Kim G. says
I actually love caramel more more... And these pots the crème, I LOVE LOVE THESE:)
Kathy says
Absolutely decadent looking! Give me anything caramel…love those Pots de Creme! And congrats to you on winning the cookie contest! They certainly look like winners to me…lovely!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh my goodness they look like little pots of heaven. Congratulations Chris!
Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
I am so happy for you. It could not have happened to a more deserving couple. I pinned this recipe for our Christmas holiday. You pots are really cute and unusual. Did you get them in London?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Madonna, I wish I could say something glamorous like I bought these in a fun little shop in London. Truth be told, they came from Homegoods, 3.99 for 3 pots plus a cute little slate to go underneath. In London they probably would have been 39.99 pounds!
La Table De Nana says
I tried to say...wow:) earlier.. but it didn't work..so glad I have those bowls:)
Sandra Lee says
Congratulations on winning and for getting to hang out with Liz!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Congrats on winning the contest! What a luscious dessert, I love anything with salted caramel!
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Congratulations! That is awesome! However I am not surprised! You are such an excellent cook and with caramel, how can it lose? Your Salted Caramel Pots de Créme. look amazing! Going to check out the recipe now! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, in case I don't get to tell you later!
Sophia Del Gigante says
Woah what decadent beauty you have here! YUMMMMMMM! I would love some now!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Wow, Chris! I love both caramel and creamy textures...These pots de creme look really to die for!!!! Enjoy your time in Virginia. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! xx
Arthur in the Garden! says
Yummy!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Chris - this is so fantastic - you won! Wonderful news - congratulations. And these salted caramel pots? They look completely amazing - so happy for you! Wooohooo!