Leite Creme, or Portuguese crème brûlée, is a creamy dessert that you'll love! Originating from medieval Portugal, it has a delicious caramelized sugar top that's hard to resist. To make it, you'll mix whole milk, egg yolks, lemon zest, and brown sugar. Cooking it gently is key to get that smooth texture. Ever tried using a kitchen torch for the topping? It's exciting! This dessert fits perfectly at both casual family dinners and fancy events. Curious about flavor twists or helpful tips? Stick around, and you'll discover more about this delightful treat! ��✨

History

Leite Creme's rich history reflects Portugal's culinary evolution, rooted in medieval traditions where custards were a favorite. This delightful Portuguese dessert has its origins in medieval Portuguese cuisine, blending influences from both Moorish and European cooking.

Just like the diverse range of charcoal smokers that enhance outdoor cooking experiences, Leite Creme has adapted over time to include local ingredients like lemon and cinnamon, staples in Portuguese cooking.

Traditionally, it's served during festive occasions and family gatherings, showcasing the warmth of Portuguese culture. Plus, with its regional variations, you can see the diversity of culinary traditions across different provinces.

It's fascinating how Leite Creme fuses simple home cooking with fine dining, making it a beloved treat in every setting!

Recipe

Leite Creme, a beloved Portuguese dessert, is often compared to crème brûlée due to its creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of whole milk and egg yolks, enhanced by the invigorating zest of lemon. The result is a silky custard that's both simple to prepare and impressively elegant when served chilled, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

With its non-toxic materials, cooking with a GreenPan Dutch Oven can elevate your culinary experience by promoting healthier meal preparation, allowing you to create delicious desserts like Leite Creme with minimal oil usage.

To create the perfect Leite Creme, patience is key. The process involves carefully tempering the egg yolks with warm milk to prevent them from scrambling, followed by a gentle cooking method to achieve that luscious custard-like consistency. After chilling and caramelizing the top, you'll have a dessert that not only tastes divine but also offers a beautiful presentation with its contrasting textures of creamy custard and crispy sugar crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of whole milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 8 large egg yolks
• 250g of soft brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cornflour

To prepare Leite Creme, begin by heating the whole milk with the lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat, making sure it doesn't boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and brown sugar together until creamy. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

Once combined, stir in the cornflour, and return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Pour the custard into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Just before serving, sprinkle sugar on top of each ramekin and caramelize it using a kitchen torch or by placing them under a broiler until golden and crispy.

When making Leite Creme, be cautious not to overheat the milk or cook the custard too quickly, as this can lead to curdling. It's crucial to stir continuously during the cooking process to guarantee even thickening.

For an added touch of flavor, consider infusing the milk with other ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon. Finally, if you don't have a kitchen torch, broiling the sugar topping works perfectly, but keep a close eye to prevent burning!

Final Thoughts

Have you ever wondered how this dessert differs from other custards? While it shares similarities with Crème Brûlée, Leite Creme is lighter because of the milk.

The versatility of cooking methods, like those found in Traeger grills, allows for experimentation with different flavors, making it a fun dessert to craft. Plus, you can play around with flavors like lemon or cinnamon.

Whether you enjoy it at home or in a fancy restaurant, Leite Creme is sure to impress.