Salted Caramel Budino

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Caramel Sauce (see recipe below)

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 3 (Medium)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and eggs. Gradually add the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Strain the custard into a clean saucepan and return to the stovetop over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until custard has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove custard from the heat and stir in the cold butter. Pour the custard into eight 4-ounce ramekins.
6. Place ramekins in a large baking dish filled with 1 inch of hot water (bain-marie). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until custards are set and just slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Caramel Sauce Method:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and turned a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Be careful as the mixture will splatter.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and sea salt. Let cool slightly before serving.

Assembly:

1. To serve, top each budino with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Protein: 5 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and velvety texture
• Rich and decadent caramel flavor
• Perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness
• Sophisticated and elegant presentation

User Comments:

• "This dessert was absolutely heavenly! The combination of the creamy budino and the salted caramel sauce was perfect."
• "I served this to my guests at a dinner party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it!"
• "I love that this recipe uses easily accessible ingredients. It was so easy to make and the results were amazing."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from burning.
• Be careful not to overcook the custard, or it will become grainy.
• Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before serving, or it will be too hot.
• Serve the budino with your favorite fruit or berries for a refreshing touch.