cardamom creme brulee parfait with candied pumpkin
Arletta Rethmeier
Ingredients
- Cardamom Creme Brûlée Parfait with Candied Pumpkin Ingredients:
- Heavy cream (for the custard base)
- Milk
- Granulated sugar (for the caramel topping and sweetening the creme brûlée)
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolks
- Cardamom pods or cardamom seeds
- Candied pumpkin pieces
- Raw pumpkin puree
- Brown sugar (for candying the pumpkin)
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Optional: Whipped cream for topping
Keywords:
- creme brûlée parfait ingredients
- cardamom creme brulee recipe
- candied pumpkin recipe
- pumpkin and cardamom dessert
Steps
### Cardamom Creme Brûlée Parfait with Candied Pumpkin: A Festive Treat
Looking to impress your guests this holiday season? Try making a cardamom creme brûlée parfait with candied pumpkin – it’s perfect for those who love rich, creamy desserts with a touch of spice. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also deliciously complex in flavor.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 8 oz pumpkin puree
- Candied pumpkin pieces for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Small bowls or ramekins (for creme brûlée)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Microplane grater (for sugar)
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. Prepare the Pumpkin Puree
- If you're using fresh pumpkin, roast it first by cutting it into cubes and baking at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and mash it to form a smooth puree.
#### 2. Make the Creme Brûlée Base
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk until almost boiling.
2. **Add Yolks and Sugar**: Remove from heat and slowly whisk in egg yolks and half of the sugar (3/8 cup) to prevent scrambling.
3. **Infuse Flavor**: Add vanilla extract and cardamom; stir well.
4. **Strain Mixture**: Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl to remove any lumps.
#### 3. Assemble the Parfait
1. **Layer Preparation**: Divide the creme brûlée base evenly among small ramekins or parfait glasses.
2. **Top with Pumpkin Puree**: Spoon an equal amount of pumpkin puree over each layer.
3. **Repeat Layers**: Pour a second layer of creme brûlée over the pumpkin, creating distinct layers.
#### 4. Bake and Cool
1. **Bake**: Place ramekins in a larger baking dish filled with hot water (bain-marie) and bake at 325°F for about 30 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly.
2. **Cool and Chill**: Remove from oven, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
#### 5. Finish with a Crystalline Top
1. **Apply Sugar**: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top of each parfait using a microplane grater for a fine texture.
2. **Caramelize**: Use a kitchen torch or place under a broiler until sugar melts and creates a caramelized, crunchy topping.
#### 6. Garnish
- Before serving, garnish with candied pumpkin pieces to add color and flavor contrast.
### Tips:
- Ensure your yolks are thoroughly mixed into the cream mixture; this ensures a smooth texture.
- Use good quality vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
- Candied pumpkin can be made by cooking fresh pumpkin slices in sugar syrup until they reach a sweet, caramel-like consistency.
This cardamom creme brûlée parfait with candied pumpkin is not only festive but also incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for sharing and sure to become a holiday favorite!