A Nice Welcome, Crème Caramel LA

Recently my family of food moved to a new place and lucky for me, I ours is not the only new family in the neighborhood.  As of the day I walked into Crème Caramel LA they had only been open 102 days.  This boutique bakeshop specializes in a creamy flan-like crème caramel custards.  The friendly face in the picture is Mike, who upon my entering the shop, evangelized these desserts and converted me from a casual passerby, to a true believer.  It was the tasting that did it.  He let me try flavor after flavor until I couldn't find any one I liked better than the ube pie.  The purple yam vegetable pie was something I had never tried before, but had I let my preconceptions stop me, I would have missed the best dish of all.

Before I checked out, I met the effervescent owner, Kristine, who told me a bit more about her cooking and the Filipino influenced sweets she serves.  I was impressed with her vision and am excited to have this innovative entrepreneur in this part of the San Fernando Valley.  I walked in expecting to pick up a small cookie, and left with an ube upside down pie, a baguette, and a box of "Unicorn Poop", a dolloped meringue rolled in multi-colored sugar, for the kids. 

Crème Caramel LA

Custard Dessert Bakery [coffee] [eats] [sweets] 

Hours: Tues.-Sun. 8a.m. – 4p.m. | Closed Mon. 

14849 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411 

(818) 949-8352

For Tomorrow; Sweet Potato Pie

This Sweet Potato Pie is ready for tomorrow. Chantilly Cream to be made then.

Another Tiny Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Yams

Yams are an under appreciated food in America. This country is focused on meat and potatoes, but Sweet Potatoes and Yams can be a delicious alternative. Sweet Potatoes and Yams are different vegetables, but are similar for cooking purposes. Yams are a bit sweeter. Most American markets carry Sweet Potatoes, but if you look you can find Yams.

If you are going to make Candied Yams, or Sweet Potato Pie, you will not get the healthy benefits of these tubers. I have a simple recipe for tasty Sweet Potato or Yam chips which makes a tasty side dish while keeping up the nutrition.

Serves 2
Calories: 230 (for 6 oz potatoes)
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS® Value: 4 - includes 1 Vegetable Serving
1Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 14-18 min min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
2 Sweet Potatoes or Yams (or one of Each)
Olive Oil Spray (or Olive Oil and Brush)
2-3 cloves garlic
Course Salt

Preheat Broiler on Oven.
Slice your Sweet Potatoes into thin circles (use a food processor if you have one)
Mince the garlic till fine. How Fine?
My knife skills teacher said you would never want a bigger bit than you would want stuck on the front of a tooth.
Spray a cookie sheet and the slices with Olive Oil, or brush on Olive Oil to the slices and the pan.
Sprinkle with Garlic and Salt making sure both sides have seasoning.
Broil Each side until Brown (about 6-8 Minutes).