2 Learn With Me | Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée! Where have you been? And you're probably wondering where I have been with my "Learn With Me" posts!  I think I have a good excuse; shortly after I started this series I also started a cleanse/detox diet that has ended up being a bit of a lifestyle change.  And although I love my sugary, sweet, french recipes, I have been trying to avoid them at the same time.  I was in the mood however to try a desert for my family this weekend, and Crème Brûlée was requested.  Why haven't I tried making this before? It's so easy!  Granted, the number of egg yolks did intimidate, but this dessert was fairly simple, and so good (I took a taste, just to make sure)! This recipe is to die for!

Vanilla Crème Brûlée
(Adapted from "I Know How to Cook" by Ginette Mathiot).  Serves 4 to 6 (depending on the size of the ramekin).
Ingredients
4 cups heavy cream or (2 cups of milk and 2 cups of cream)
1 vanilla bean, split or (add more to taste)
1 cup superfine sugar
10 egg yolks (small)
1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Mix the cream, vanilla bean and half the superfine sugar.  Bring to a boil, but don't let it boil, whisking all the while.  Remove from heat and cool. Scrape the vanilla beans into the milk and remove the empty pods. Beat egg yolks in a bowl with the balance of superfine sugar until white and creamy. While still beating, pour the flavoured cream mixture over the eggs slowly and mix well, making sure not to curdle the eggs. Pour through a sieve (to remove the vanilla pods). Pour into an ovenproof dish or 4-6 individual ramekins and place the dishes into a roasting pan half-filled with hot water.  

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set (don't let boil). Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours.  Take out of fridge about a half hour before serving and sprinkle the custard with the brown sugar, putting the dishes under a very hot broiler just long enough to carmelize the top (approx. 3-4 minutes). The sugar will form smalls balls on the surface. Or use a kitchen blowtorch to carmelize the sugar. 
 

Add some blueberries and mint for garnish (if you like), or leave plain! 

Crème Brûlée, so delicious! What are you making these days? 

~Jan
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3 Sunday Reading | Books to Read

This week I have some real books to talk about for our Sunday Reading segment. Firstly, Chronicle Books sent over a pair of gems, Hello NY, An Illustrated Love Letter to the 5 Boroughs by Julia Rothman and Meanwhile in San Francisco by Wendy MacNaughton.  When I first opened Hello NY, it was just to briefly page through, but I found myself not wanting to put it down, and actually had to stop myself so I could get back to work.  The book is like running into a stranger at a cafe where they start telling you about their city (you know, secret bars, and places one would only know about if they lived there); Julia writes about her city with such ease detailing her beloved city in a humorous and entertaining way accompanied by her signature illustrations.  Meanwhile...   Meanwhile in San Francisco by Wendy MacNaughton is like taking a walk through San Francisco and talking to various people you pass by. From the bus drivers on the MUNI to the Mission hipsters, Wendy captures a unique point of view from various collaborators she met living and working in San Francisco. As a bonus the book jacket opens up into a beautiful illustrated poster.

And lastly, Eat Pretty, Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out by Jolene Hart also from Chronicle Books is a timely book (for me) and probably many who have decided to drop the sugar and dairy, and all things bad for you over the new year.  I'm still hanging in there, and feel so much better for it, so this book only affirms my decision with it's tips on eating well to not only benefit your health but looks as well.  Like, did you know celery helped your skin's hydration? Or that raspberries gave you lustrous hair?  Lots of wholesome recipes and advice in this read that offers four seasons to eat pretty.

What are you reading these days? Any recommendations? Happy Sunday!

~Jan
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1 Instagram Lately

A few snapshots from our instagram lately. 

2 Yay! 9 Pretty Party Decor DIYs!

It's friday and almost time for a party! This week's weekend projects post covers nine bright and colorful party decor ideas if I've ever seen one. Bright pops of pink, orange and yellow, mixed with pastels, makes for fun times! Check them out!

1. DIY Letter-Shaped Boxes
Make your own letters out of cardboard with this clever and super-easy how-to from Studio DIY.

2. Sidewalk Chalk Popsicles
What's a party without sidewalk chalk popsicles? I mean really!  From Hello, Wonderful.

3. Mini DIY Cupcake Stand (and Soap Cupcakes)
If the stand isn't adorable all on it's own, but just to add the wow factor, these soap cupcakes! From Henry Happened.

4. Make a Balloon Chandelier
A simple and budget friendly idea (especially loving the marble balloons). From Julep.

5. Double Tetrahedron Origami
These origami wonders would make a beautiful photobooth backdrop yes? Get the how-to from instructables.com here.

6. Honeycomb Garland
Use honeycomb decorations to create this pretty colorful garland. From Oh Happy Day.

7. Ombre Watercolor Horse Cake
Amazing iced cake idea for a birthday. Via Hostess with the Mostess.

8. Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts
Nothing says party than a multi-coloured-sprinkled donuts! Recipe at Cooking Classy.

9. Spell it Out!
A simple yet stunning idea from zuckerzimtundliebe.

Happy Friday!

3 A Tranquil Space

I ran into this beautiful bedroom on my instagram feed this past week from Urbanwalls' Danielle and Paul Hardy's home.  Designed by Stephanie Jean Design, the bedroom has a serene palette of white, beige and soft blues and pops of lilac. Looks like a pretty tranquil space.

Also after this bedroom tour, I've included a few pics of some of Urbanwalls' vinyl wall decor decals which they make here in the lower mainland (they're pretty sweet I might add)! Get all the links and sources at the end of the post.  Photography by Mary Konkin.

Sources:
Bonjour Amour print - Sarah and Bendrix
Floral Bed pillows - Motif Pillows
Pillow Shams and Quilt - West Elm
Ikat painting - Lulu and Drew
Seafoam throw quilt - Chapters/Indigo
Mirrored side tables - overstock.com
Side table lamps - overstock.com


And a few pics from Urbanwall's shop of a few decals I'm loving right now also. Their selection is amazing, it's hard just to pick a few.

Gold Polka Dots

Pinetree Decals

Anchor Decals

To see more of Urbanwalls' online at:
Site + Shop:  uwdecals.com
Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/urbanwalls
Blog: blog.uwdecals.com
Facebook: facebook.com/urbanwalls
Twitter: @hardydanielle
Instagram: @urbanwalls