Caramelizing sugar in order to make the classic creme caramel dessert may not be as complex as rocket science but if it's your first time making it, you may feel that you're facing an impossible task.
Making caramelized sugar for your favorite cakes is actually quite easy, once we reveal the intricacies in its preparation.
There's 2 methods for caramelizing sugar - caramelizing crystal sugar or caramelizing sugar syrup. In the former, all you have to do is put the sugar in a dry, thick-walled pan and heat it gradually until it's fully dissolved. You have to be very careful so it doesn't burn, as this can happen due to a single second of inattention.
Making caramel from sugar syrup is similar. Add 1 tbsp water for every 1/5 cup (60 g) sugar.
After the sugar melts, remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tbsp warm water or fresh cream or lemon juice, so that the caramel doesn't harden right away.
That's how you can quickly and easily prepare a caramel for your favorite creme caramel.
