GOODNESS
Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.
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Recipe

Coffee Creme Brulee

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 147

ingredients

  • 1 quart whipping cream
  • 1 cup plus 2 2/3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely ground espresso coffee beans
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or coffee powder
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg

directions

Place 8 .75-cup custard cups in large roasting pan. Combine cream, 1 cup sugar, ground espresso beans, instant espresso powder and cinnamon stick in heavy large saucepan. Using small sharp knife, scrape seeds from vanilla bean into mixture, add bean. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar and espresso powder dissolve. Remove from heat. Cover, let stand 30 minutes. Strain through fine sieve.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Whisk egg yolks and egg in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in cream mixture. Divide among custard cups in pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of custard cups. Bake custards until center moves only slightly when cups are gently shaken, about 55 minutes. Remove custards from pan. Cool, refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Preheat broiler. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each custard. Place custard cups on baking sheet. Broil until sugar is brown and caramelized, rotating baking sheet to broil evenly and watching closely to avoid burning, 2 minutes. Chill custards 1 hour. Serve.