Creme Brulee' Torch?

[Snoop Puss]

I've got a small torch. It was given to me as a gift, and a good one at that. No way would it take me 40 minutes to caramelise eight creme brulées. I'd be surprised if it takes even a minute each. Go for it Corey123, have fun and brule to your heart's content!

[thier1754]

This is the torch kit we use. It includes the fuel and the refill's only a couple of dollars...
http://www.nexternal.com/whitewhale/Product385

I'd like to find a really good creme brulee recipe, as my family all love it. I had some at a restaurant recently and it tasted like it came from a mix. Ugh. I usually use a Bavarian Cream recipe, but I know that's not the authentic stuff. My son made it from a recipe he found online the other day but it came out too watery. We're still looking for "the" recipe! Alton Brown's recipe seems to get great reviews, so I think I may give it a whirl next.

[Corey123]

Originally Posted by Snoop Puss

I've got a small torch. It was given to me as a gift, and a good one at that. No way would it take me 40 minutes to caramelise eight creme brulées. I'd be surprised if it takes even a minute each. Go for it Corey123, have fun and brule to your heart's content!

Thank you! I might do it today!! The recipe that I got is a kit from the same co that makes the torch. And it a no-bake one! I just need heavy creme and half & half - which I have already.


~Corey123.

[Dina]

I saw a creme brulee micro-torch at Target for less than $30. Any ordinary propane torch would work too.

[Snoop Puss]

A no-bake recipe sounds great for summer. No need to put the oven on and just the right time of year for serving it with strawberries and raspberries. Bet you'll really enjoy it.

[digigirl]

FYI - Cook's Illustrated tested torches for creme brulee and other such applications.

Although they recommend the hardware-store propane variety, they also had comments regarding the "Chef's" butane torches. Basically, their conclusion was that the only chef's torch "worth owning" was the Bernzomatic Torch ST1100TS ($29.95). Second choice was the Messermeister Chefflame Culinary Torch ($39.95), but they found it somewhat awkward to use due to its size. All in all, they figure the hardware store one is the way to go.

However, I've been looking at torches too, and I would think the big propane torches would be large and awkward, also. It's not so much the "cute" factor as the size factor for me with regards to the chef's torches.

Any input on that aspect of the debate?

Valerie

[Gretchen]

Home Depot-$12.95 for a plumber's torch.

[GB]

Originally Posted by digigirl

It's not so much the "cute" factor as the size factor for me with regards to the chef's torches.

Any input on that aspect of the debate?

Valerie

I can see what you are saying with this. My thought on this subject is that (for me) I would only use the torch in the kitchen every once in a gret while. Because of that I could store the torch someplace where it would not matter how big the torch was (like in my garage or basement). I know everyone does not always have space even in those areas though so this would work for me, but not everybody.

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by GB

I can see what you are saying with this. My thought on this subject is that (for me) I would only use the torch in the kitchen every once in a gret while. Because of that I could store the torch someplace where it would not matter how big the torch was (like in my garage or basement). I know everyone does not always have space even in those areas though so this would work for me, but not everybody.

Not to mention that you could use a full-sized torch to help with plumbing problems, making it a multi-tasker!

[Snoop Puss]

If I had a more "industrial" model, doubtless I'd manage to totally blitz the brulées so I ended up with an inedible black mess! Plus you're right GB. I live in a small flat. My partner's a journalist. Between us we have managed to fill every nook and cranny. So far we've had no plumbing problems to solve, but we do use the brulée torch to light the fire and to help in soldering jobs. I'm happy with what I've got - it does the job and it doesn't take up too much space.