Baskadia

To make creme brulee, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups heavy cream

- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- 5 large egg yolks

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- Extra sugar for caramelizing the top

Equipment:

- Mixing bowls

- Whisk

- Saucepan

- Ramekins (4-6, depending on size)

- Kitchen torch or broiler

Here are the steps to make creme brulee:

1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. **Prepare Vanilla Cream**:

- If using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the cream in a saucepan. Heat the cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. If using vanilla extract, add it directly to the cream after heating.

3. **Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar**:

- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly thickened.

4. **Temper the Eggs**:

- Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while constantly whisking. This is called tempering and helps prevent the eggs from curdling.

5. **Strain the Mixture**:

- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of vanilla bean.

6. **Fill Ramekins**:

- Pour the custard mixture into the ramekins, filling them almost to the top.

7. **Bake in a Water Bath**:

- Place the ramekins in a baking dish and add hot water to the dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This helps the custard cook evenly.

8. **Bake in Oven**:

- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

9. **Chill**:

- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

10. **Add Caramelized Sugar**:

- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it's golden and crispy. If you don't have a torch, you can use your oven's broiler.

11. **Serve**:

- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a minute, then serve and enjoy!

Remember to be cautious when working with open flames or hot surfaces. Enjoy your homemade creme brulee!