Welcome back to Simple Recipe Box, where we turn your kitchen into the heart of delicious creations. I’m your host, Ben Harper, and today we're diving into a classic that's sure to impress: Crème Brûlée. This dessert may sound fancy, but I promise, it's simpler than you think, and with our tips, you'll be mastering it in no time.

Let's start with what you’ll need. Grab some egg yolks, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and vanilla extract. These simple ingredients blend to create a dessert that’s both luxurious and comforting.

First up, equipment. You’ll need a medium saucepan, a whisk, some ramekins, and a large baking dish for a water bath. Oh, and a kitchen torch for that signature caramelized top. No torch? No worries! Your broiler will work in a pinch.

Now, for making the custard – the heart of Crème Brûlée. Begin by whisking together egg yolks, cream, milk, sugar, and salt in your saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Then, off the heat, stir in your vanilla extract.

Strain this mixture into a clean bowl to ensure it’s perfectly smooth. Pour the custard into your ramekins, filling them three-quarters full. Place these in your baking dish, and add hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath helps cook the custard gently, ensuring it’s just set, with a slight jiggle in the middle, after about 25-30 minutes in a 300°F oven.

Once baked, let them cool, then chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This rest melds the flavors and sets the custard perfectly.

When you're ready to serve, sprinkle the tops with sugar. Then, torch it until it’s beautifully golden. If you’re using a broiler, keep a close eye to avoid burning. This caramelized sugar top is not just tasty but gives that satisfying crack when tapped with a spoon.

And there you have it, a perfect Crème Brûlée! Serve it as is or top it with some fresh berries for a touch of freshness. Remember, the best results come from using high-quality ingredients, especially the vanilla. It truly elevates the flavor.

Storing is simple. If you have leftovers, just cover them and they’ll keep in the fridge. Ready to impress at your next dinner party or a special treat for yourself.

That’s all for today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in to Simple Recipe Box. I’m Ben Harper, helping you make cooking simple and enjoyable. Until next time, happy cooking!

For the full recipe, visit Crème Brûlée.