what are ramekins

A ramekin is a small dish used for culinary purposes, typically with a capacity of approximately 50-250 mL (1+1⁄2–8+1⁄2 US fl oz) . They are commonly used for preparing and serving individual portions of a variety of dishes, including crème brûlée, French onion soup, molten chocolate cake, moin moin, cheese or egg dishes, poi, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, potted shrimps, ice cream, soufflé, baked cocottes, crumbles, chakra póngal, or scallops, or used to serve side garnishes and condiments alongside an entrée. Ramekins are usually designed to resist high temperatures, as they are frequently used in ovens or, in the case of crème brûlée, exposed to the flame of a cooking torch. Traditionally, a circular bowl with sides perpendicular to the bottom and with exterior fluting, ramekins can also be found in novelty shapes like flowers, hearts, and stars. Ramekins are often made of glazed stoneware, including ceramic or porcelain, but can also be made of glass and some metals, such as aluminum, cast iron, and steel.