This is my favorite dessert that I usually make on special occasion or for a romantic dinner with my husband.Creme brulee is a french word for burnt cream.Its basically custard that is rich and creamy. This fancy dessert does not need a lot of effort and can be done ahead of time.
serves 4
6 egg yolks
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 whole vanilla bean
1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
about 4 tablespoons sugar
Heat oven to 325 degrees
In a medium saucepan heat cream on medium-low.slice vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds in to cream. add the liquor (optional) and bring the cream to a simmer.
While the cream is coming to simmer, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a medium sized bowl.
When the cream starts to simmer remove it from heat and pour a little amount to the yolks. continue to whisk and slowly add the rest of the cream.
Pour the custard into a medium-large measuring cup. Place the ramekins into a large glass deep baking dish. Pour the custard into ramekins 3/4 full.
Carefully pour boiling hot water in to the baking dish reaching half way of the ramekins.
Transfer the ramekins to the oven. and bake custard for about 25-30 minutes. Cool custard without taking it from the dish.
Once the custard is cooled, place them in the fridge for atleast 4 hours.
To serve brulee, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on the top of the custard. caramelize them by either using a kitchen torch or by placing it in the oven under 500 degrees broil and bring the level to the highest position. I like it very cold so I place it back in the fridge to cool down. Garnish with fresh berries.