Creme Brulee

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan over low heat, combine cream, vanilla bean and salt and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Remove vanilla bean.
3. 3
   In large bowl, combine egg yolks and granulated sugar.
4. 4
   Pour in hot cream and stir mixture gently to combine.
5. 5
   Strain custard into a pitcher and skim off any bubbles.
6. 6
   Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
7. 7
   Place 8 three-quarter-cup ramekins or ceramic custard cups in roasting pan.
8. 8
   Pour custard into ramekins, filling to the rim.
9. 9
   Place roasting pan in oven and carefully pour warm water into pan until it reaches halfway up sides of ramekins.
10. 10
    Cover pan loosely with foil and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Remove ramekins from water bath and cool.
12. 12
    Cover each and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or as long as 2 days.
13. 13
    When ready to serve, preheat broiler.
14. 14
    Uncover ramekins and place them on baking sheet.
15. 15
    Top each with a thin layer of brown sugar.
16. 16
    Use knife to spread sugar evenly across the custards.
17. 17
    Broil custards about 2 inches from flame for 30 seconds to 2 minutes until sugar is caramelized, watching constantly to make sure it does not burn.
18. 18
    Serve immediately.