Creme Brûlée

Step 1

Heat oven to 325ºF.

Step 2

Combine the cream, vanilla bean pod and its pulp in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod and reserve for another use, such as making vanilla sugar.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the vanilla sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. Add the cream, a little at a time, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Pour the liquid into 6 (7- to 8-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake just until the creme brûlée is set, but still trembling in the center, 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Remove the creme brûlée from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the creme brûlée to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.