Bon Apetit!

Caramelized Vanilla Creme Brulee:

Creme Brulée Caramélisée à la Vanille… Melts in your mouth with a little caramel crunch! Here is the traditional, authentic classic… Enjoy!

Preparation Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (4 people):

1 Vanilla Bean, Seeds Scraped (or few drops of extract)
4 Egg Yolks
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
7 oz. Milk
9 oz. Crème Fraîche (or heavy cream)
1/4 Additional Granulated Sugar (to caramelize with)

How to Make It:

Preheat Oven to 300°F
1. Beat eggs yolks with sugar.
2. Stir in vanilla seeds (or extract).
3. Add milk and stir until homogenous.
4. Add cream while stirring.
5. Pour batter into individual ramekins or flan dishes, and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Let cool off completely and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Powder tops with granulated sugar. Put back in oven (on broil, best if right under the grill) and let caramelize.
8. Serve warm or cold.
Voilà!

Variations:

You can add 1 tbsp. of Orange Liqueur or 1 tbsp. of Orange Flower Water (Fleur d'Orangier) if you want additional flavoring. One or the other, not both.
If you want to experiment with other flavors, such as Rose Water or Almond extract, etc., I would say, let your creative juices flow! But, remember that this classic creme brulee recipe is best when the aroma remains subtle and delicate. So, only one extra idea at a time.

i made this delicious, heavenly sweet over the weekend, and it was divine so i had to share. all it needs is a sweet dinner party or tea party with the sweetest of friends....