Spanish Cream Recipes

HOMEMADE SPANISH CREMA CATALANA RECIPE

Steps:

• Put the milk on the stove in a small saucepan, along with the citrus peels and the cinnamon stick. Slowly bring to a boil.
• Dissolve the cornstarch in a splash of water and set aside.
• While the milk is slowly heating, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, until the mixture turns pale yellow. Beat in the dissolved cornstarch and a spoonful of the hot milk.
• Remove the citrus peels and cinnamon stick from the hot milk, and lower the heat.
• Slowly add the egg yolk mixture to the milk, making sure to keep stirring so that the eggs don't scramble!
• Stir constantly over a low heat, until the mixture has thickened.
• Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into traditional clay dishes or ramekins.
• Allow the custard to cool, and then cover in plastic wrap and chill the crema catalanas for about four hours (preferably overnight).
• Before serving, I like to let mine come to room temperature (unless it's summer-- that would be too hot!). Then sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin. Spread the sugar out by tilting the ramekins in all directions. Caramelize with a small kitchen blowtorch (though the truly authentic crema catalanas are made with a hot iron (see photo below).
• Top with fresh fruit (optional) and enjoy!

SPANISH CREAM

Steps:

• Mix 1/3 cup sugar and gelatin in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water.
• Slowly stir in milk and stir until sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved.
• Beat the egg yolks until light then blend a bit of the hot mixture into it.
• Add the egg yolk mixture to the gelatin mixture and cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
• Mix in vanilla and then chill until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spool.
• Beat eggs whites until they form soft peaks, gradually beat in the remaining 1/3 cup sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Fold the custard mixture into the eggs whites and spoon into 6 goblets and chill until firm.
• If desired, top with fresh fruit or chocolate or butterscotch sauce.

SPANISH CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Combine milk, sugar, salt and cornstarch in a saucepan and cook until thick.
• Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites and 1 t vanilla.
• Let cool.
• Pour into baked pie shell.
• Place sliced bananas on top, then finish off with cool whip topping or whipped cream.

COCOANUT SPANISH CREAM RECIPE

Steps:

• Scald the milk and gelatin in top of a double boiler. Mix the egg yolks thoroughly with sugar and salt. Add the milk slowly - return to the double boiler and cook (stirring constantly) until a coating forms on the spoon. Strain at once into a bowl. Add the shredded cocoanut. Beat the egg whites until stiff, add the orange extract and the hot custard. Mix gently.
• Rinse a mold with cold water, turn the mixture into the mold and chill. Remove from the mold before serving and sprinkle with remainder of the cocoanut, mixed with a little grated orange rind. Garnish with sections of orange free from membrane.