Rediscovering the simple pleasures in baking can be a welcome respite from the stressors of the outside world.

As more people are staying put inside their homes to help “flatten the curve”, they are becoming more inclined to get crafty in the kitchen. Baking, for one, is now being used as an outlet to help mitigate heightened anxiety in these challenging times.

Why is that? Because baking is a mindful process and allows you to feel more present, pulling you away from your phones and the tendency to obsess over the news. Studies have suggested that baking is a psychologically positive behaviour that instills creativity and a sense of control.

Last week, we held our 30 Days of Happiness Instagram live stream with Sandrine Martin, Owner and Pastry Chef of Sandrine Pastry and Chocolates, who kindly gave us a live demo of how to make Vanilla Crème Brûlées - a texturally rich and gratifying French dessert that is wonderfully easy to make.

VANILLA CRÈME BRÛLÉE RECIPE

You can try your hands on making crème brûlées by following this simple recipe shared by Sandrine.

Note: This recipe allows for 4 servings in large shallow ramekins.

Ingredients

• 170g whipping cream

• 170g milk

• 6 egg yolks

• 50g sugar

• 1/2 vanilla pod

Instructions

1. Boil the whipping cream and the milk with the vanilla pod and then let the mixture cool down. When warm (not hot anymore), mix the eggs with the sugar and pour the cream on the eggs while still stirring. Strain the mixture. Pour into the ramekins.

2. Bake in a water bath for 20 to 40 minutes at 275°F (135°C). Remove the ramekins from the water bath.

3. Keep in the fridge overnight before serving.

4. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar. Caramelize the sugar with a blow torch or in the oven.

Now is the ideal time to undertake small, creative indoor projects like making a simple dessert to make ourselves feel happier at home. You’ll find that the joy of baking can be powerfully therapeutic. We’d like to thank Sandrine for sharing her authentically French crème brûlée recipe with us. Make sure to visit their website or Instagram to learn more about their latest offerings and news.