Caramel Cream Filling

Perfect as a cake or torte filling.

½ cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream, cold
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp. unflavored gelatin
3 large egg yolks, room temperature

Heat sugar and 4 tsp. water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Continue to cook, without stirring, until very deep amber. Carefully pour in 1 cup cream, whisking. Whisk in milk.

Put gelatin and 6 Tbsp. water into a small bowl. Let stand until gelatin has softened, about 7 minutes.

Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Whisk egg yolks into caramel mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Add gelatin, and whisk until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl set in ice-water bath. Let cool, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Beat remaining cup cream until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into caramel cream. Cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or overnight).

Makes enough for 1 torte.