IRISH OATMEAL BRULEE WITH DRIED FRUIT AND MAPLE CREAM

Irish Oatmeal Brulee With Dried Fruit And Maple Cream image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories brunch, sauces and gravies, dessert

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup heavy cream
2 star anise
1 small cinnamon stick
1 small strip (1/2 by 1 1/2 inches) orange zest
1/4 cup maple syrup
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/4 cup chopped dried figs
2 tablespoons toasted chopped pecans
2 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts
4 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

Place oats in a bowl, and cover with water by 2 inches. Cover bowl, and let stand overnight.
In a small saucepan, combine cream, star anise, cinnamon stick and orange zest. Bring mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove spices and orange. Whisk maple syrup into cream, increase heat to medium-high and simmer until mixture thickens enough to coat back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, drain oats and place them in a saucepan with 3 1/4 cups water. Simmer over medium heat until tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Stir in salt.
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, combine dried fruit and nuts. Divide half the oatmeal among four broiler-proof bowls or large ramekins, then top with fruits and nuts. Cover with remaining oatmeal, and smooth tops. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each, and place under broiler. Broil until sugar caramelizes and forms a crust, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully so sugar doesn't burn. Serve immediately with maple cream.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 505, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 101 milligrams, Sugar 42 grams