Corn Crème Brûlée on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Corn Crème Brûlée takes on a delightful, smoky flavor when cooked on the Arteflame grill. This unique version of the classic dessert combines the natural sweetness of corn with creamy custard, all topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Cooking on the grill adds a subtle depth of flavor, making it a perfect treat for outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Corn Custard:

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3-4 ears of corn) or frozen, thawed
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramelized Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by lighting your Arteflame grill and allowing it to heat up. You'll be cooking the custard in heatproof dishes placed on the outer, cooler edge of the grill.

2. Prepare the Corn Custard

In a blender, combine the corn kernels and heavy cream. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl to remove the solids, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

Add the milk, sugar, and salt to the corn-infused cream. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and smooth. Gradually add the warm corn-cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Cook the Custard on the Grill

Pour the custard mixture evenly into small, heatproof ramekins. Place the ramekins on the outer edge of the Arteflame grill where the heat is lower, and cover each ramekin loosely with foil to prevent direct heat from scorching the custard.

Cook the custards on the grill for about 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Rotate the ramekins occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once done, carefully remove the ramekins from the grill and let them cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins back on the grill for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the sugar.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute until it hardens, then serve the Corn Crème Brûlée immediately. The contrast between the creamy custard and the crunchy sugar topping makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Tips for the Best Corn Crème Brûlée

• Grill Temperature: Keep the custards on the cooler outer edge of the grill to avoid overcooking and ensure even setting.
• Smooth Custard: Straining the corn-cream mixture is essential for a smooth, silky custard.
• Even Caramelization: Hold the torch close to the sugar and move it in a circular motion to ensure even caramelization.

Variations

1. Honey Corn Crème Brûlée: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the custard mixture for an extra layer of sweetness.
2. Cinnamon Corn Crème Brûlée: Infuse the cream with a cinnamon stick for a warm, spiced flavor.
3. Savory Corn Crème Brûlée: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt to create a sweet-and-savory version of this dish.
4. Coconut Corn Crème Brûlée: Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
5. Corn and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée: Use a vanilla bean pod instead of extract for a deeper, more complex vanilla flavor.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a glass of late harvest wine or a light, fruity dessert wine like Moscato.
• Garnish: Serve with fresh berries or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint for a burst of color and flavor.
• Complementary Dessert: A light lemon sorbet or fresh fruit salad complements the richness of the crème brûlée.

Conclusion

Cooking Corn Crème Brûlée on the Arteflame grill adds a subtle smoky flavor to this classic dessert, making it a unique and elegant treat. The creamy custard combined with the caramelized sugar crust is sure to impress your guests at any outdoor gathering.