| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 12g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 2g | 6g | 0.15g |
My love for the Gooseberry Creme Brulee Recipe is steeped in more than just its tasty profile. Being a Texan with a Southern culinary twist allows me to appreciate not just the flavors we’re familiar with but also those that offer something unique. Each time I prepare this fruit-based treat, I’m reminded of the lush orchards of Texas, my childhood home, where gooseberries were famed for their robust flavor and health benefits.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Rewriting the narrative for good old creme brulee, the Gooseberry Creme Brulee Recipe offers a refreshing taste profile. The tartness of the gooseberries complemented by the sweet, creamy texture of the custard, all cloaked beneath a crisp caramelized sugar layer – it’s a symphony of contrasting flavors that is simply irresistible! This dish reminds me a bit of the traditional Texas grapefruit pie, another dessert famous for its tanginess.
Health Benefits of Gooseberries
Hidden within this sophisticated dessert are health benefits that often go unsung. Gooseberries are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, making them wonderful for boosting the immune system. When combined with the protein from the eggs and the calcium from the cream and milk, it’s not just a dessert, but a meal that nourishes you.
A Versatile Dessert
The Gooseberry Creme Brulee doesn’t just shine as a stand-alone dish, but works well as a sweet colleague to other recipes. I often serve this recipe alongside a tray of cheese and crackers or as a spectacular end to a feast featuring barbecued meats. Your guests are sure to enjoy the interplay of flavors!
In the end, what strikes me most about this recipe isn’t just its taste or the health benefits it brings, but the memories it stirs. Every spoonful brings echoes of familiar tastes, shared laughter, and warmth wrapped in the folds of nostalgia – a testament to quintessential Southern comfort food.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups gooseberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup superfine sugar, for caramelizing top
Method
Step One
Firstly, in a medium saucepan, combine the gooseberries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. After that, continue to cook the gooseberries for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft. After they’re soft, strain the mixture to remove the seeds and skins and allow the resulting gooseberry syrup to cool.
Step Two
In a separate saucepan, bring the cream and the milk to a boil over medium heat. As the milk and cream begin to bubble, reduce the heat to low and scrape in the seeds from the vanilla bean, adding the split bean as well. Simmer this mixture for about 15 minutes.
Step Three
While the milk and cream mixture is simmering, whisk the egg yolks together in a separate large bowl until they become light and frothy. Gradually whisk in the cooled gooseberry syrup. Then, remove the vanilla bean from the cream and milk mixture and gradually pour it into the gooseberry and egg mixture while constantly stirring.
Step Four
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Pour the gooseberry creme mixture into six 6-oz. ramekins, dividing it evenly. Place the ramekins in a larger baking dish and pour enough hot water into the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Carefully place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the creme brulees are set.
Step Five
After the creme brulees have set, remove them from the oven and let them cool in their water bath. Once they’ve cooled, transfer the ramekins to the fridge to cool for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step Six
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the superfine sugar evenly over the tops of the creme brulees. Using a kitchen blowtorch, melt the sugar until it caramelizes. If you don’t have a blowtorch, you can also place the creme brulees under a broiler for about 1-2 minutes or until the sugar caramelizess. Chill the creme brulees for a few minutes before serving to harden the sugar shell.
