Cannelés of Bordeaux Recipe

Description: Cannelés (or Cannelés de Bordeaux) are small, delicious French pastries that hail from the Bordeaux region. These treats are known for their beautiful caramelized crust and soft, custardy interior. Made with a mixture of egg yolks, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and rum, the batter is poured into special fluted molds and baked at a high temperature to create a unique contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior. Cannelés are perfect as an elegant dessert or for a special afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
1/4 cup dark rum
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg yolks
1 whole egg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon rum (for the batter)

Directions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the milk is hot but not boiling. If using a vanilla bean, split it, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the milk. If using vanilla extract, you’ll add it later.
Let the vanilla pod infuse in the milk for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the pod (if using) and stir in the rum.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cornstarch.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the whole egg until smooth.
Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg-milk mixture and stir until smooth. Once combined, add the rum (for the batter) and the vanilla extract if you’re using it instead of the vanilla bean.