Baileys Creme Caramel

A big fan of any creamy desserts, this is up there in my top five. And although it looks a bit daunting to make, it really is pretty much foolproof. You just need to have a high sided roasting dish and 6 ramekins (or similar). You can make this without the Baileys - I just think it adds a lovely flavour.

Ingredients:    (Serves 6)

140g caster sugar
3 tbsp. cold water
500ml milk
100g caster sugar
3 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
3 tbsp. Irish cream liqueur (I like Baileys)
a couple drops vanilla essence
boiled kettle of water


Method:

Put the ramekins into a high sided roasting tray and have ready. Set the oven to 160 C.

Put the water and sugar into a heavy based pan and put on a gentle heat to melt the sugar, then turn up the heat and boil. Don't leave the pan alone and also don't stir the syrup. It will start to go a little golden at the edges. Holding the handle of the pan, swirl the syrup so the heat gets to it all. When the bubbling syrup is all a medium golden caramel colour, take it off the heat and immediately pour a small amount into each ramekin. You should have enough to well coat the bottom of each.

Put the milk on the heat and turn it off just as its beginning to boil. Put the eggs into a bowl with the sugar and whisk. Gradually add the hot milk until mixed well. Strain the custard into a large jug and then add the liqueur and vanilla. Pour into the ramekins.

Pour boiling water in the roasting tray so it comes up about half way up the ramekins and put the tray into the oven. Cook for 15-20mins, then remove from the oven. Leave to cool and then pop in the fridge for about 3-4 hours. You can have these in the fridge for about 3 days.

To serve, take the crème caramels out of the fridge for about 5 minutes. Then run a sharp knife around the top edge of the ramekin, put a small plate over the top and turn over. If the custard doesn't come out gently holding upside down (and close to the plate) carefully use a knife to encourage it. It should pop out beautifully and the sauce will pool around the set custard. Serve and enjoy!!