Creme Brulee

 

The best and simplest of desserts.

Ingredients:

2 c cream

3 T sugar

4 extra-large egg yolks

seeds of 1 vanilla pod / 1/2 t vanilla paste

Scald the cream in a heavy duty saucepan. Beat the yolks, sugar and vanilla with mixer until pale and thick. Slowly pour in hot cream while beating at the lowest speed until incorporated. Ladle into ramekins and place in roasting pan. Pour very hot water into the pan two thirds up the side of the cups.

Bake 45 minutes at 160 degrees - do not overbake, it's OK if the middle is still moving very slightly.

Just before serving, sprinkle tops with granulated sugar and caramelize with a torch.

Makes 8 small or 6 medium.