Cardamom Creme Brulee Parfait with Candied Pumpkin

Ingredients and Weight:

• Cardamom Creme Brulee Base:
  • Heavy cream: 2 cups (480ml)
  • Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Ground cardamom: 1 teaspoon
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
  • Egg yolks: 5 large
• Candied Pumpkin Layer:
  • Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240g)
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
  • Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Caramel Topping:
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Cooking Time:

• 45 minutes (baking time for the creme brulee)

Difficulty Level:

• 3 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cardamom Creme Brulee Base:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, cardamom, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually whisk the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks.
5. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a baking dish.
6. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water. This creates a water bath, which will help prevent the custard from curdling.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and has a slight wobble.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the Candied Pumpkin Layer:

1. In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and butter.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened and bubbly.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool.

To Assemble the Parfaits:

1. In parfait glasses or small cups, layer the cardamom creme brulee base, candied pumpkin, and repeat.
2. Let chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

For the Caramel Topping:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat.
2. Carefully pour the melted sugar onto a silicone mat or parchment paper.
3. Let cool until hardened, then break into shards.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving size: 1 parfait
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich cardamom creme brulee base
• Sweet and tangy candied pumpkin layer
• Crunchy caramel shards
• Elegant and indulgent dessert

User Comments:

• "This parfait is absolutely delicious! The cardamom flavor in the creme brulee is subtle and sophisticated, and the candied pumpkin adds a nice sweetness and brightness."
• "I love the combination of textures in this dessert. The creme brulee is smooth and creamy, the candied pumpkin is chewy, and the caramel shards add a nice crunch."
• "This is a great dessert for any special occasion. It's easy to make and looks very impressive."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• When making the caramel topping, be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it bitter.
• If you don't have a silicone mat or parchment paper, you can pour the melted sugar onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
• Once the caramel topping has cooled, it will be very hard. Use a heavy object to break it into shards.