Creams, Custards and Puddings
Creams, Custards and Puddings
and Puddings
1
Contents
Creams, Custards and Puddings -------------------------------------- 1
Contents ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Creams, Custards and Puddings --------------------------------------- 3
Sugar Cooking --------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Stages of Sugar Cooking -------------------------------------------------- 5
Basic Custards, Creams and --------------------------------------------- 6
2
Creams, Custards and Puddings
I
t's all much simpler than it seems.
Once you have learned three
basic preparations—vanilla
custard sauce, pastry cream, and
baked custard— you will have
learned most of the rest. Vanilla
custard sauce, also called creme
anglaise (krem awng-glezz) or
English cream, is the basis for
bavarians, ice cream, and some
dessert sauces. Pastry cream,
with a variety of flavorings, is also
used for pie fillings and puddings.
Many baked puddings are baked
custard with added starch or fruit
ingredients.
3
Sugar Cooking
After reading this chapter, you should be able to
Sugar Cooking
Understanding sugar cooking is important in the preparation of desserts and confections because sugar syrups
of
various strengths are often required (see, for example, Italian Meringue).
BASIC PRINCIPLES
The principle of sugar cooking is fairly simple: a solution of syrup of sugar and water is boiled to evaporate part of
the water. As the water is boiled off, the temperature of the syrup gradually rises. When all the water has
evaporated,
what you have left is melted sugar. The sugar will then begin to caramelize or turn brown and change flavor. If
heating continues, the sugar will continue to darken and then burn.
A syrup cooked to a high temperature will be harder when it is cooled than will a syrup cooked to a lower
temperature. For example, a syrup cooked to 240°F (115°C) will form a soft ball when cooled. A syrup cooked to
300°F (150°C) will be hard and brittle when cooled.
One pint (450 ml) of water is enough to dissolve and cook 3 to 4 lb of sugar. There is no point in adding more
water than is necessary, because you just have to boil it off again.
SIMPLE SYRUP
Simple syrup is a solution of equal weights of sugar and water. For example, combine 1 pt of water and 1 lb of
granulated sugar in a saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar. Cool the syrup.
Dessert syrup is a flavored simple syrup used to moisten and flavor some cakes . (Many chefs use 2 or 3 parts
water to 1 part sugar for a less sweet syrup.) Flavorings may be extracts, such as vanilla, or liquors, such as rum or
kirsch. Add flavorings after the syrup has cooled, because flavor may be lost if they are added to hot syrup. Syrups
may also be flavored by boiling them with lemon or orange rind.
Graininess is a common fault in many candies and desserts. Graininess results when cooked sugar crystallizes or
turns to tiny sugar crystals rather than staying dissolved in the syrup. If even one sugar crystal comes in contact
with
a cooked syrup, it can start a chain reaction that turns the whole thing into a mass of sugar crystals.
To avoid crystallization during the first stages of boiling, use one of the following techniques.
1. Wash down the sides of the saucepan with a brush dipped in water. This will remove crystals that may "seed"
the whole batch.
2. When first bringing the syrup to a boil, cover the pan and boil for several minutes. Condensed steam will wash
down the sides of the pan. Uncover and finish cooking without stirring.
Sometimes an acid such as cream of tartar is added to a syrup before cooking. Acids change some of the sugar
to
invert sugar, which resists crystallizing. Corn syrup is sometimes added for the same reason.
4
Stages of Sugar Cooking
Stage °F °C
Testing the temperature with a candy
Thread 230 110
thermometer is the most accurate way to
determine the desired doneness of a Soft Ball 240 115
syrup.
Firm Ball 245 118
In the old days, syrups were tested by
Hard Ball 250-260 122-127
dropping a little syrup into a bowl of cold
water and checking the hardness of the Small Crack 265-270 130-132
cooled sugar. The stages of doneness
were given names that described their Crack 275-280 135-138
hardness.
Hard Crack 290-310 143-155
Table 1.1 lists these stages of sugar
cooking. Caramel 320-340 160-170
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Basic Custards, Creams and
Basic Custards and Creams
The three preparations presented in this section are some of the most basic and useful preparations in the bake-
shop. All three can be classified as custards, because they consist of a liquid thickened by coagulation of eggs.
Vanilla custard sauce, also known as creme anglaise , is a stirred custard. It consists of milk, sugar, and egg yolks
stirred over very low heat until lightly thickened, and flavored with vanilla.
Pastry cream contains starch thickeners as well as eggs, resulting in a much thicker and more stable product. It is
used as a cake and pastry filling, as a filling for cream pies, and as a pudding. With more liquid added, it is used as a
custard sauce.
Baked custard, like vanilla custard sauce, also consists of milk, sugar, eggs, and flavoring (usually whole eggs are
used for greater thickening power). But unlike the sauce, it is baked rather than stirred over heat, so that it sets and
becomes firm. Baked custard is used as a pie filling, as a dessert by itself, and as a basis for many baked puddings.
The following recipe gives the method for preparing vanilla custard sauce or creme anglaise. Special care is necessary
in preparing this sauce, because the eggs can curdle very easily if overcooked. The following guidelines will
help you be successful.
1. Use clean, sanitized equipment, and follow strict sanitation procedures. Egg mixtures can easily be contaminated by
bacteria that cause food poisoning.
2. Heat the milk to scalding (just below simmering) in a double boiler before combining with the egg yolks. This makes
the final cooking much shorter.
3. Slowly beat the hot milk into the beaten eggs and sugar. This raises the temperature of the eggs gradually and helps
prevent curdling. (The same principle is used in tempering a cream/egg yolk liaison in sauce making.)
4. Heat the mixture slowly in a double boiler, stirring constantly, in order to prevent curdling.
5. To test for doneness, two methods are available. Keep in mind that this is a very light sauce, so you can't expect a
lot of thickening.
a. Check the temperature with a thermometer. When it reaches 185°F (85°C), the sauce is cooked. Never let the
temperature go above 190°F (87°C).
b. When the mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon instead of running off like milk, the sauce is cooked.
6. Immediately cool the sauce by setting the pan or bowl in ice water. Stir occasionally to cool it evenly.
7. If the sauce accidentally curdles, it is sometimes possible to save it. Immediately stir in an ounce or two of cold milk,
transfer the sauce to a blender, and blend at high speed.
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Crème Anglaise (Vanilla Custard Sauce)
&
Chocolate Crème Anglaise Recipes
240 gr Sugar
1 Lt Milk
10 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. Combine the egg yolks and sugar in a stainless-steel bowl. Whip until thick and light.
2. Scald the milk in boiling water both or over direct heat.
3. Very gradually pour the scalded milk into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly with the whip.
4. Set the bowl over simmering water. Heat it slowly, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a
spoon (or until it reaches 185°F/85°C).
5. Immediately remove the bowl from the heat and set it in a pan of cool water. Stir in the vanilla. Stir the sauce
occasionally as it cools.
Ingredients:
240 gr Sugar
1 Lt Milk
10 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. Combine the egg yolks and sugar in a stainless-steel bowl. Whip until thick and light.
2. Scald the milk in boiling water both or over direct heat.
3. Very gradually pour the scalded milk into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly with the whip.
4. Set the bowl over simmering water. Heat it slowly, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a
spoon (or until it reaches 185°F/85°C).
5. Immediately remove the bowl from the heat and set it in a pan of cool water. Stir in the vanilla.
6. Melt sweetened chocolate. Stir into the Crème Anglaise while it is still warm (not hot).
7. Stir the sauce occasionally as it cools.
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Pastry Cream
PASTRY CREAM
Although it requires more ingredients and steps, pastry cream is easier to make than custard because it is less
likely to curdle. Pastry cream contains a starch thickening agent that stabilizes the eggs. It can actually be boiled
without curdling. In fact, it must be brought to a boil, or the starch will not cook completely and the cream will have a
raw, starchy taste.
Strict observance of all sanitation rules is essential when preparing pastry cream, because of the danger of
bacterial contamination. Use clean, sanitized equipment. Do not put your fingers in the cream, and do not taste
except with a clean spoon. Chill the finished cream rapidly in shallow pans. Keep the cream and all cream filled
products refrigerated at all times.
The procedure for preparing pastry cream is given in the following recipe. Note that the basic steps are similar
to those for custard sauce. In this case, however, a starch is mixed with the eggs and half the sugar to make a
smooth paste. (In some recipes with lower egg content, it is necessary to add a little cold milk to provide enough
liquid to make a paste.) Meanwhile, the milk is scalded with the other half of the sugar (the sugar helps protect the
milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan).
The egg mixture is then tempered with some of the hot milk and then returned to the kettle and brought to a
boil. Some chefs prefer to add the cold paste gradually to the hot milk, but the tempering procedure given here seems
to give better protection against lumping and curdling.
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Chocolate Pastry Cream
Chocolate Pastry Cream
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Melt together sweetened chocolate and unsweetened chocolate. Stir into the hot pastry cream.
9. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
10. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Coffee Pastry Cream
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
60 gr Coffee powder
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve coffee powder, half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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CREAM PIE FILLINGS
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
NOTE:
Fill prebaked pie shells with cooled but not chilled filling.
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Coconut Cream Pie Filling
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter, vanilla and unsweetened coconut. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
NOTE:
Quantities for four 20-cm pies.
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Banana Cream Pie Filling
Banana Cream Pie Filling
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
500 gr Banana
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan , dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
NOTE:
Using Vanilla Cream Pie Filling, pour half of the filling into the pie shells, cover with sliced bananas, and fill with
remaining filling. (Bananas may be dipped in lemon juice to help prevent browning.)
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Chocolate Cream Pie Filling
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
150 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan , dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Melt together sweetened chocolate and unsweetened chocolate. Stir into the hot pastry cream.
9. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
10. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Lemon Pie Filling
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Water
175 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the water and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks, whole eggs and grated zest of 2 lemons in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot water in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and lemon juice. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Vanilla Puddings
Vanilla Pudding
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
75 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Coconut Pudding
Coconut Pudding
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
75 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan, dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter, vanilla and unsweetened coconut. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
NOTE:
Quantities for four 20-cm pies.
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Banana Cream Pudding
Banana Cream Pudding
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
75 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
500 gr Banana
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan , dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
9. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
NOTE:
Using Vanilla Cream Pie Filling, pour half of the filling into the pie shells, cover with sliced bananas, and fill with
remaining filling. (Bananas may be dipped in lemon juice to help prevent browning.)
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Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients:
480 gr Sugar
2 Lt Milk
75 gr Cornstarch
120 gr Butter
30 ml Vanilla
Procedure:
1. In a heavy saucepan , dissolve half the sugar in the milk and bring just to a boil.
2. With a whip beat the egg yolks and whole eggs in a stainless-steel bowl.
3. Sift the starch and remaining sugar into the egg. Beat with the whip until perfectly smooth.
4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly beating in the hot milk in a thin stream.
5. Return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. When the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, remove from the heat.
7. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix until the butter is melted and completely blended in.
8. Melt together sweetened chocolate and unsweetened chocolate. Stir into the hot pastry cream.
9. Pour into a clean, sanitized hotel pan or other shallow pan. Dust lightly with sugar and cover with waxed paper to
keep a crust from forming. Cool and chill as quickly as possible.
10. For filling pastries such as éclairs and napoleons, whip the chilled pastry cream until smooth before using.
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Baked Custard
Baked custard is a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and flavorings, which is baked until the eggs coagulate and the custard
is set. A good custard holds a clean, sharp edge when cut.
The following recipe gives the procedure for making baked custard. Note these points in particular:
1. Scald the milk before beating it slowly into the eggs. This reduces cooking time and helps the product cook more
evenly.
2. Remove any foam that would mar the appearance of the finished product.
3. Bake at 325°F (165°C). High temperatures increase the risk of overcooking and curdling.
4. Bake in a water bath, so that the outside edges are not overcooked before the inside is set.
5. To test for doneness, insert a thin bladed knife about an inch or two from the center. If it comes out clean, the
custard is done. The center may not be completely set, but it will continue to cook in its own heat after removal from the
oven.
Baked Custard
Ingredients:
600 gr Eggs
240 gr Sugar
5 gr Salt
15 ml Vanilla
600 ml Milk
Procedure:
1. Combine the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Mix until thoroughly blended, but do not whip.
2. Scald the milk and heavy cream in a double boiler or in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Skim off all foam from the surface of the liquid.
5. Arrange custard cups in a shallow baking pan. (Butter the insides of the cups if the custards are to be unmolded.)
6. Carefully pour the custard mixture into the cups. If any bubbles form during this step, skim them off.
7. Set the baking pan on the oven shelf. Pour enough hot water into the pan around the cups so that the level of the
water is about as high as the level of the custard mixture.
8. Bake at 325°F (165°C) until set, about 45 minutes.
9. Carefully remove from the oven and cool. Store, covered, in refrigerator.
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Crème Caramel
Crème Caramel
Ingredients:
600 gr Eggs
240 gr Sugar
5 gr Salt
15 ml Vanilla
600 ml Milk
Procedure:
For Caramel:
1. Cook 375 gr sugar and 60 ml water until it caramelizes.
2. Be sure the cups are clean and dry.
3. Line the bottoms of the custard cups with the hot caramel, let it cool.
4. Fill with custard and bake recipe.
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Puddings
Puddings
Two kinds of puddings, starch-thickened and baked, are the most frequently prepared in food service kitchens.
These are the types we will discuss here. A third type, steamed pudding, is less often served, and then mainly in cold
weather, because steamed puddings are usually rather heavy and filling.
STARCH-THICKENED PUDDINGS
These are also called boiled puddings, because they are boiled in order to cook the starch that thickens them.
2. Cream puddings.
Cream puddings, as you learned in the previous section, are the same as pastry cream. Puddings are usually
made with less starch, however, and may contain any of several flavoring ingredients, such as coconut or chocolate.
Butterscotch pudding is given its flavor by using brown sugar instead of white sugar.
If you will look again at the recipe for Vanilla Pastry Cream, you will see that the only difference between
cornstarch puddings and cream puddings is that the latter contain eggs. In fact, cream puddings may be made by
stirring hot cornstarch pudding into beaten eggs and then heating the entire mixture to just below the simmer. Care
must be taken to avoid curdling the eggs if this method is used.
1 Lt Milk
250 gr Sugar
2 gr Salt
120 gr Cornstarch
Procedure:
1. Combine the milk, sugar, and salt in a heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Mix the cornstarch and cold milk until perfectly smooth.
3. Pouring in a thin stream, add about 1 cup (250 ml) hot milk to the cornstarch mixture.
4. Stir this mixture back into the hot milk.
5. Stir over low heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
6. Remove from heat and add desired flavoring.
7. Pour into 1/2-cup (125-mL) molds. Cool, and then chill. Unmold for service.
Notes:
French blancmange is very different from English. The French styles is made with almond milk and gelatin.
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Baked Pudding
(Baked Rice Pudding)
Baked puddings are custards that contain additional ingredients, usually in large quantities. Bread pudding, for
example, is made by pouring a custard mixture over pieces of bread in a pan and baking it in the oven. Rice pudding is
another popular item, made of cooked rice and custard.
The procedure for making baked puddings is the same as for making baked custard. A water bath may not be
necessary if the starch content of the pudding is high.
Soft pie fillings, such as pumpkin, could also be considered as baked puddings.
Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
1.5 L Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
240 g Sugar
Procedure:
1. Combine the rice, milk, vanilla, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Cover and simmer over very low heat until the rice is
tender, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to be sure the mixture doesn't scorch on the bottom. Remover from heat
when cooked.
2. Combine the eggs, yolks, sugar, and cream in a mixing bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Ladle some of the hot milk from the cooked rice into this mixture and mix well. Then very slowly stir the egg mixture
back into the hot rice.
4. Pour into a buttered baking pan, 12 × 20 in. (30 × 50 cm). Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
5. Bake in a water bath at 175°C for 30-40 minutes, until set, Serve warm or chilled.
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Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and Butter Pudding
Ingredients:
400 gr Eggs
300 gr Sugar
5 gr Salt
15 ml Vanilla
1.3 Lt Milk
3 gr Cinnamon
3 gr Nutmeg
Procedure:
1. Cut in medium dice (1 ½ cm by 1 ½ cm) of bread. Mix each sides of bread with melted butter.
2. Put the bread in a buttered baking pan, 12 × 20 in. (30 × 50 cm).
3. Mix together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
4. Gradually stir in the milk.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the diced bread in the pan. Let stand, refrigerated, for 1 hour or longer, so that the
bread absorbs the custard mixture.
6. Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon and nutmeg.
7. Set the pan in a larger pan containing about 1 in. (3 cm) hot water.
8. Place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake about 1 hour, until set.
9. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or light custard sauce, or dusted with confectioners' sugar.
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Terms & Questions
1. Simple syrup
2. Dessert syrup
3. Crystallize
4. Creme anglaise
5. Pastry cream
6. Blanc mange
7. Cream pudding
8. Baked pudding
1. How can you avoid unwanted crystallization when cooking sugar syrups?
2. Light custard sauce and pastry cream both contain eggs. Why is it possible to boil
pastry cream but not custard sauce?
3. Explain the importance of sanitation in the production of pastry cream. What specific
steps should you take to ensure a safe product?
4. Light custard sauce, pastry cream, and baked custard are made with basic
techniques that are also used for the following preparations. Identify which of the three
techniques is used for each.
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