Alice B. Toklas’ Orange Caramel Custard is a delightful dessert with a rich history. It’s a classic custard dish that incorporates the flavors of orange and caramel. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
History:
Alice B. Toklas was an American writer and the life partner of famous author Gertrude Stein. She is best known for her cookbook, “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook,” published in 1954. This cookbook contained a wide range of recipes, including the famous “Haschich Fudge” recipe. While the orange caramel custard isn’t as famous as the fudge, it’s still a delicious creation from her kitchen.
Components:
To make Alice B. Toklas’ Orange Caramel Custard, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2/3 cup sugar (for caramelizing)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar (for custard)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest from one orange
- Juice from one orange
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Caramel:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. This will take about 7-8 minutes.
- Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of your custard dishes or ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Work fast as the caramel sets quickly.
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Make the Custard:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
- In a separate saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg and sugar mixture, whisking constantly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
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Pour the Custard Mixture:
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large jug or bowl.
- Carefully pour the strained custard mixture over the caramel in the custard dishes.
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Bake:
- Place the custard dishes in a baking pan. Fill the pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the custard dishes. This creates a water bath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
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Cool and Serve:
- Remove the custard dishes from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the custards for at least 2 hours or until they are thoroughly chilled.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking: 45-55 minutes
- Cooling and chilling: At least 2 hours
Alice B. Toklas’ Orange Caramel Custard is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with the bright, citrusy flavors of orange. Enjoy making and savoring this classic custard!
While I can’t provide precise nutrition facts for Alice B. Toklas’ Orange Caramel Custard without specific ingredient quantities and brands, I can offer some general information about the nutritional aspects and considerations for custard desserts like this one.
Nutritional Highlights:
- Calories: Custard is a rich dessert and can be calorie-dense due to ingredients like eggs, sugar, and milk.
- Protein: Eggs provide a good source of protein in custard.
- Fats: Custard typically contains fats from egg yolks and, in this case, possibly some from the milk used.
- Carbohydrates: Sugar is a primary source of carbohydrates in custard recipes.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Custard may provide some vitamins and minerals from the eggs and milk used, including vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.
Health Considerations:
- Caloric Content: Custards are often considered a treat due to their calorie content, so it’s best to consume them in moderation.
- Sugar: The amount of sugar used can significantly impact the sweetness and calorie content of the custard. Consider using less sugar if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Eggs: While eggs provide protein and essential nutrients, they are also a source of cholesterol. Be mindful of your overall dietary cholesterol intake.
- Milk: Depending on the type of milk used, the fat content can vary. Consider using lower-fat milk if you want to reduce the fat content.
- Portion Control: Custard is best enjoyed in moderation due to its rich and calorie-dense nature.
To get precise nutrition facts for Alice B. Toklas’ Orange Caramel Custard, you would need to calculate them based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe. You can use online nutrition calculators or consult a registered dietitian for personalized nutritional information.
