Things You'll Need:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- powdered sugar for the crusts
- Groceries
- Baking Pans
- Cooking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Ramekins
- Wire Whisks
- Propane Torches
- Mixing bowls
- Step 1
To make creme brulee, heat the oven to 135 degrees C.
- Step 2
Mix the cream and vanilla extract in a nonreactive pan over low heat until steaming.
- Step 3
When the cream is hot, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well blended.
- Step 4
When cream starts to steam, shut off the heat.
- Step 5
Pour some cream (maybe 1/2 cup) into the egg yolks while whisking quickly. This will slowly heat the yolks, reducing the chance of curdling them.
- Step 6
Remove the whisk from the eggs, start whisking the cream, and steadily pour the yolks into the cream while whisking quickly.
- Step 7
When thoroughly mixed, divide mixture into oven-safe individual ramekins.
- Step 8
For best results, an optional step is to chill the filled ramekins overnight before cooking.
- Step 9
Place ramekins in a tall-sided baking pan. Pour hot water into the pan about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Step 10
Bake for about 35-45 minutes.
- Step 11
Cover and chill at least two hours.
- Step 12
When ready to serve, sprinkle the top of each serving with a thin, even layer of sugar.
- Step 13
If you have a propane kitchen torch, heat the sugar with the flame until it begins to brown. Stop when it reaches a golden color. It should not get too dark.
- Step 14
Without a torch, use the oven's broiler setting to caramelize the sugar. Broil for 20 to 30 seconds within at least an inch of the flame or heating element.