Catalonia Crema Catalana is a traditional Spanish dessert that is creamy, sweet, and aromatic. It is similar to the French dessert crème brûlée, but with a few differences in terms of ingredients and preparation.

Catalonia Crema Catalana is a rich and creamy dessert with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of milk, egg yolks, and sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness, while the cinnamon stick and lemon peel add a subtle touch of spice and citrus. The caramelized sugar on top forms a hard, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard beneath.

This dessert is a popular dish in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, and is often served during special occasions and celebrations. It is also a favorite in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, where it is known as "natilla."

The method of making this dessert is straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail to achieve the perfect consistency and texture. It is important to stir the mixture constantly while it is heating on the stove to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure that the custard thickens evenly. Additionally, the caramelization process requires precision to achieve the perfect golden-brown color and crunchy texture.

Overall, Catalonia Crema Catalana is a decadent dessert that is perfect for those who love rich and creamy treats. Its combination of flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests.

Here is a step-by-step method to make this delicious dessert, along with some notes and nutrition facts.

Ingredients:

1- 4 cups of milk

2- 6 egg yolks

3- 1 cup of sugar

4- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

5- 1 cinnamon stick

6- 1 lemon peel

7- Granulated sugar for caramelizing

Method

Step 1:

In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel until it comes to a boil. Then remove from heat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until it forms a smooth mixture.

Step 3:

Slowly add the egg mixture to the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4:

Place the saucepan back on medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5:

Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel from the mixture and pour it into individual ramekins.

Step 6:

Let the ramekins cool down to room temperature, and then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 7:

Just before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, crispy layer.

Notes:

1- You can use a vanilla bean instead of a cinnamon stick for a different flavor profile.

2- To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to stir the mixture constantly while it is heating on the stove.

3- You can also caramelize the sugar under a broiler if you don't have a kitchen torch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 299
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 225mg
• Sodium: 82mg
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 49g
• Protein: 7g
• Vitamin D: 1mcg
• Calcium: 217mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Potassium: 311mg
• Vitamin A: 372IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Vitamin E: 1mg
• Vitamin K: 1mcg
• Thiamin: 0mg
• Riboflavin: 0mg
• Niacin: 1mg
• Vitamin B6: 0mg
• Folate: 29mcg
• Vitamin B12: 1mcg
• Phosphorus: 166mg
• Magnesium: 21mg
• Zinc: 1mg
• Copper: 0mg
• Manganese: 0mg
• Selenium: 16mcg

It is important to note that the nutrition facts may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Additionally, this dessert is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet