Crème brûlée

http://whatscookingamerica.net/CremeBrulee.htm

Ingredients:

6 egg yolks, chilled
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, chilled
4 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Adjust oven rack to center position. Butter six (1/2 cup) custard cups or ramekins and set them into a glass baking dish. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom.

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sugar and mix until dissolved; mix in cream, then pour mixture into prepared custard cups. Bring the water for the water bath to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat.

Definition of Water Bath or Bain-Marie (bahn mah-REE) - A hot water bath or bain-marie are used to cook custards and baked eggs in the oven without curdling or cracking, and also used to hold sauces and to clarify butter. Water baths are most often used for egg-based dishes. The proteins in the eggs are very heat sensitive and only need to be warmed to cook thoroughly. They will start to get firm at only 145 degrees. Cooking them with a slow, gentle heat keeps the eggs soft and smooth.

Variation: If you don't have ramekins or custard cups, crème brulee can be baked in a casserole or baking dish. Follow the above recipe, but instead pour the custard directly into a 1 1/2-quart casserole or a 11- by 7-inch baking dish. Custard should reach about 2/3 up sides of pan and have a depth of 1 to 1 1/4 inches. Increase the cooking time by approximately 10 minutes.

Bake approximately 30 to 40 minutes (25 to 30 minutes for shallow fluted dishes) or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cup you are using, but begin checking at a half hour and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven. If using a digital instant-read thermometer, inserted in the centers, it should register 170 to 175 degrees F. Begin checking temperature about 5 minutes before recommended time.

Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled to room temperature. Remove cups from water bath, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 4 days.

When ready to serve, uncover ramekins. If condensation has collected on the custards, place paper towel on surface to soak up moisture. Sprinkle approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar over each crème brulee (tilt and tap ramekins for even coverage). For best results, use a small hand-held torch. Hold the torch 4 to 5 inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion. Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after flame has been removed.

If you don't have a torch, place crème brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.

Refrigerate crème brulees at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve within 1 hour (30 to 45 minutes), as topping will deteriorate.

Makes 6 servings (depending on size of custard cups).