Crème Brûlée: Fancy and Heart Healthy!
Crème brûlée is one tasty dessert. But I’d hardly consider it to be a healthy dessert option. However, miracles happen. Case in point: This heart-healthy version of crème brûlée from Florida Juice. This and other orangey recipes can be found here, including one yummy-looking Butternut Squash Soup that we’re filing away for later!
Orange Tapioca Crème Brûlée
Author: Florida Orange Juice
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup small pearl tapioca
- 2 cups 2% milk (or fat-free half & half)
- 2 eggs, separated (or ½ cup egg substitute plus 2 egg whites)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup sugar or equivalent sugar substitute (check sugar substitute package for equivalent amount)
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
- 6 tablespoon turbinado sugar, such Sugar in the Raw
- Florida orange segments, optional
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
Instructions
- Combine orange juice and tapioca in medium saucepan; let stand for 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine milk, egg yolks and salt; add to orange juice mixture. Bring orange juice mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, beat egg whites in small mixing bowl; gradually add sugar substitute. When sugar substitute is dissolved, add cream of tartar and beat until stiff peaks form; set aside.
- Fold ¾ cup of orange juice mixture into beaten egg whites; then add to remaining orange juice mixture in saucepan. Fold and let cool. Add the vanilla, nutmeg and orange zest until blended. Divide mixture into 6 ramekins. Chill for at least 4 to 6 hours until firm.Just before serving, remove from refrigerator and sprinkle each ramekin with 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar.
- Caramelize sugar with small blowtorch, moving flame evenly back and forth over sugar just until sugar is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish each créme brûlée with orange segments and mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't have a blowtorch? The sugar can be caramelized under a preheated broiler. Place 2 to 3 inches from heat and broil 2 to 3 minutes, just until sugar is melted and golden brown.
My mouth waters just thinking about that crunchy caramelized sugar over that yummy creaminess. Must go make now. —Erin