### How to Make a Delicious Cafe Au Lait Pots de Crème: A Step-by-Step Guide
**Cafe au lait pots de crème** is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and pastry cream. This recipe will guide you through making this exquisite treat at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coffee espresso or instant coffee powder
#### Equipment Needed:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Heatproof bowl
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Pots de crème molds
- Blender (optional)
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### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Base**
1. **Boil the Milk and Cream:** Combine 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until just before boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. **Add Coffee:** Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of coffee espresso or instant coffee powder until well combined. Let it steep for a few minutes.
#### **Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream**
3. **Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar:** In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
4. **Temper the Custard:** Gradually pour the warm coffee cream into the yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from curdling.
#### **Step 3: Cook and Strain**
5. **Cook on Low Heat:** Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (bain-marie) and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. **Strain:** Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the custard into another clean bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Pots de Crème**
7. **Chill and Set:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap touching the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until set.
8. **Pour into Molds:** Carefully pour the chilled pastry cream mixture into pots de crème molds.
#### **Step 5: Serve**
9. **Top with Fresh Coffee and Cream (Optional):** Just before serving, you can top each pot with a drizzle of fresh coffee or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
10. **Enjoy:** Allow the desserts to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying them.
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#### Tips:
- Ensure your equipment is clean and sterilized to maintain the smooth texture of the custard.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor profile.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a stunning and delicious cafe au lait pots de crème that will impress both yourself and your guests!