Crème Brûlée a l'Orange for any late night dessert!

I LOVE My Cafe torch. It's my best friend. Even when I'm not cooking, I like to play with it. It makes me feel like the Kitchen Mistress(or Master for all you sexist mongrels). It makes me feel safe, knowing I have a nice little weapon tucked away for any intruder into my kitchen. So in tribute to my Cafe Torch and to those of you who also own one, here is my favorite crème brûlée recipe.





Begin preparing the custards a day ahead so that they can chill overnight.

You Will Need:

6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup plus 6 teaspoons sugar
1 1/3 cups whipping cream
2/3 cup whole milk
2 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 1/2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur


PREP

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly butter six 3/4-cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. Beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in medium bowl to blend. Bring cream, milk and orange peel to simmer in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk hot cream mixture into yolk mixture.

Stir in Grand Marnier.

Divide custard among prepared dishes. Set dishes in large baking pan. Add enough hot water to pan to come halfway up sides of dishes. Bake custards until just set in center, about 40 minutes. Remove from water. Cool, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over each dish. Torch until sugar browns, 1-3 seconds.
Refrigerate 1 hour.

For those who do not own a torch, here is the broiler method:

Preheat broiler. Arrange soufflé dishes on baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over each. Broil until sugar browns, rotating baking sheet for even browning and watching closely to avoid burning, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

And THAT my friends is one of the most glorious desserts you will ever taste. Hope you enjoyed it and continue to make it.