Have you added a butane lighter to your drawer of kitchen tools? If you have not, then you should start considering it. A butane lighter is quite useful and versatile in many different ways for your cooking and baking. One thing that you can do quite easily is learn how to caramelize sugar. You may have been avoiding any desserts that require caramelization simply because you think it is a process too advanced for your capabilities. However, this is quite untrue. You can very easily learn how to caramelize sugar in just a few steps. All you need is a butane lighter, the right kind of sugar and a little practice.
How do you use a torch lighter on the sugar? You will need a few tools. You will need a torch lighter that can be set to a low flame. Because it is a delicate process, you do not want too high of a flame because you will scorch the sugar. Instead, keep the torch on low. Then, pass it slowly back and forth over the sugar. Make sure the flame is an inch or two above the sugar and keep it consistently the same distance. You will see the sugar start to bubble and slowly brown. Watching for the light brown color will allow you to know when the process is done.
What kind of sugar should I use? It is important for you to get the right sugar in order to caramelize it properly. You should never try to use brown sugar. Because it is quite moist, brown sugar will not caramelize. Instead, you will want a fine grain, white sugar. If all you have access to is standard grain sugar, then simply place it in a good processor and grind it down. This will make the perfect consistency.
Finally, knowing when the sugar is done matters. You will want it to bubble and then start to form a crust that is medium golden brown in color. If it gets too dark, it will be scorched. Instead, stop the torch lighter when the sugar turns this medium brown and make sure you have caramelized evenly.
The torch lighter has many uses in the kitchen, including the ability to caramelize sugar, which is something you can use for many different desserts. If you follow the steps above, you will have no problem with the caramelization process.
How do you use a torch lighter on the sugar? You will need a few tools. You will need a torch lighter that can be set to a low flame. Because it is a delicate process, you do not want too high of a flame because you will scorch the sugar. Instead, keep the torch on low. Then, pass it slowly back and forth over the sugar. Make sure the flame is an inch or two above the sugar and keep it consistently the same distance. You will see the sugar start to bubble and slowly brown. Watching for the light brown color will allow you to know when the process is done.
What kind of sugar should I use? It is important for you to get the right sugar in order to caramelize it properly. You should never try to use brown sugar. Because it is quite moist, brown sugar will not caramelize. Instead, you will want a fine grain, white sugar. If all you have access to is standard grain sugar, then simply place it in a good processor and grind it down. This will make the perfect consistency.
Finally, knowing when the sugar is done matters. You will want it to bubble and then start to form a crust that is medium golden brown in color. If it gets too dark, it will be scorched. Instead, stop the torch lighter when the sugar turns this medium brown and make sure you have caramelized evenly.
The torch lighter has many uses in the kitchen, including the ability to caramelize sugar, which is something you can use for many different desserts. If you follow the steps above, you will have no problem with the caramelization process.
About the Author:
Drew is a consultant for a specialty butane torch lighter store and has expert knowledge of kitchen accessories, including cooking torches.
