Crème Brûlée

Serves 8 people

1 quart heavy cream
1/2 vanilla bean or 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
10 egg yolks
Pinch salt

For The Caramel Topping:
1/2 cup sugar

The basic method for all three types of custard: Use 6-oz. ramekins. Heat the oven to 325°F. Heat the cream or cream and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until scalded (you'll see small bubbles on the sides of the pan). Split the vanilla bean in half, if using, and scrape the seeds into the cream. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, slowly whisk the sugar into the egg yolks and eggs. Slowly temper the hot cream/milk into the sugar/yolk mixture (see the tempering explanation). Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher or measuring cup. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract, if using. Follow the instructions below for making the crackly topping.

Two ways to make a crackly caramel topping for crème brûlée -

1. The Blowtorch Method:
By far the easiest method of caramelizing sugar on a crème brûlée is with a propane blowtorch. Blowtorches are sold in most hardware stores.

Sift a thin, even layer of sugar over the refrigerated custards, ignite the torch, and with a slow, sweeping motion, guide the flame directly on the surface of the custard. The nozzle should be 2 to 3 inches from the surface, with the tip of the flame licking the sugar. The sugar will melt slowly at first and then caramelize. As soon as the entire surface is glossy brown, move on to the next custard.

1. The Broiler Method:
This method is only successful with a very hot broiler in a gas oven (electric ovens don't seem to provide heat high enough to caramelize the sugar). Line a baking dish with a towel to keep the baked custards from sliding around and arrange them on top. Fill the spaces between the ramekins with ice and add water so that they're surrounded by ice water. This will keep them cold and creamy while their tops are being caramelized.

Sift a thin, even layer of sugar on the surface of each custard and gently slide the baking dish under the broiler, positioning it so that the flame is 2 to 3 inches away from the tops of the custards. Watch carefully: within three or four minutes, the sugar will melt and then caramelize. Remove the baking dish and take out the ramekins.

Two Variations -

Espresso Custard:
Omit the vanilla. Crush 1/2 cup espresso beans into coarse pieces, add to the cream/milk, and heat to a simmer. Remove from the heat; infuse for 5 min. Strain and proceed.

Ginger Custard:
Omit the vanilla. Cut a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger into very thin slices, add to the cream/milk, and heat to a simmer. Remove from the heat; infuse for 15 to 20 min. Strain, bring back to a simmer, and proceed.

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