Topic: Creme Brulee - Easy, yet Impressive Dessert

Description: Creme brulee is a very easy, yet very impressive dessert.

Serving Size: 4

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cream (or 1 cup cream and 1 cup milk)
   
2. 2 vanilla pods (optional)
   
3. 4 large egg yolks
   
4. 1/2 cup sugar
   
5. 1 tsp vanilla essence
   
6. 1/8 tsp (pinch) salt
   
7. 4-8 tsp caster sugar

Preparation:

1. None.

Instructions:

1. Pour the cream (or milk and cream) into a small pot or microwave bowl. Add the vanilla pods (if using) and heat gently until it just boils.
   
2. Place the egg yolks, 1/2C sugar, vanilla essence and salt in a large bowl and whisk together.
   
3. Remove the vanilla pods then pour the hot cream mixture into the bowl, whisking constantly.
   
4. Pour into the ramekins, about 3/4 of the way up, then place in a Bain Marie (roasting pan filled with enough water to reach the custard level).
   
5. Place in a preheated oven and bake at 150C for 30 minutes or until the custard has just set. Often, it will be necessary to allow the Brulees to cool, pop them in the fridge or chiller to firm up.
   
6. Just before serving, sprinkle the top of each ramekin evenly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of caster sugar (the smaller quantity for small ramekins or more for larger ones).
   
7. Arrange the ramekins on a tray and place under a very hot grill (3cm to 5cm from the heat) for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar melts and browns. (Alternatively, you can do this with a blowtorch if you have one.)
   
8. Remove from the heat and let the caramelised sugar cool and harden to form a crisp layer, then serve immediately.