According to Tastemade, flan is sometimes also called crГЁme caramel, which makes it even easier to confuse the two! But if you've been lucky enough to have tried both crГЁme brГ»lГ©e and flan, you may already know there are some subtle, yet key differences that make each of them unique.ДЄs both crГЁme brГ»lГ©e and flan are custard desserts, they share a similar base recipe which ChowHound describes as being a creamy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and dairy.

Flan, on the other hand, is a custard dish with roots dating back to the Roman empire that is widely popular throughout Latin America. Photo Credits: jules, Tangopaso, and jules.CrГЁme brГ»lГ©e is a popular custard dessert with European origins that date back centuries (via French Country Food). If you donвЂ™t have a culinary torch, place under broiler and watch closely to prevent burning. Spread sugar evenly over exposed crГЁme brГ»lГ©e (center of tart) and using a culinary torch, melt the sugar until it browns and forms a crisp top. Remove ramekins from the pan and chill at least 2 hours.Д¤5 minutes before serving, remove brГ»lГ©e tart from fridge. Place in oven and bake just until the custard is set, but still wobbly in the center, approximately 40 minutes. Place nectarines cut side up around edge of cream mixture. Add the cream mixture a bit at a time, stirring constantly. In a small bowl, beat first measure of sugar and the egg yolks until mixed and light yellow. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. 5-6 fresh nectarines, pitted and halved or slicedДЄdd cream and fresh ginger into medium saucepan over medium-high heat.1 knob fresh ginger, peeled and quartered.Remove ramekins from the pan and chill at least 2 hours. Bake just until the custard is set, but still wobbly in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Place the ramekins into a large roasting pan. Place instant espresso in mortar and pestle and grind to fine powder.ДЄdd espresso powder to cream and pour into medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Let brГ»lГ©e sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Spread evenly on top and using a culinary torch, melt the sugar until it browns and forms a crisp top. Remove ramekins from the pan and chill at least 2 hours.Д¤5 minutes before serving, remove brГ»lГ©es from fridge and divide remaining measure of sugar between the ramekins. Let your imagination run wild! For inspiration, here are three of my favorites:ДЄdd cream, vanilla bean and scrapings into medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Try crystallized orange blossoms, violets, or rose leaves. Decorate your unique crГЁme brГ»lГ©e with equally unique toppings. Try different types of sugar for the topping such as dark Muscavado sugar or granulated sugar flavored with vanilla or lavender. Add your own twist to the custard by stirring in flavorings like rose water, orange flower water, liqueurs, spices, or cocoa. Instead of heavy cream, try making the custard with silky smooth coconut milk, creamy buttermilk, or a tart Greek yogurt. Even the simplest version is pure decadence, but with a bit of experimentation you can take it far beyond the realms of ordinary. Delectably smooth and creamy, it is truly comforting, yet it provides a wonderful base for celebrating creativity and inspiration.Д¬rГЁme brГ»lГ©e is simply a smooth custard topped by a thin sugar topping caramelized with a culinary torch or your broiler. Desserts such as crГЁme brГ»lГ©e can capture the best of the season.

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