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Steps:
Preparing the Custard:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place six ramekins in a baking dish large enough to hold them without touching.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean (if using) and scrape the seeds into the cream. Add the vanilla bean pod as well. Heat the cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine. If you used a vanilla bean pod, remove it at this point.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps or curdled bits.
Baking the Custard:
- Pour the custard evenly into the ramekins.
- Place the baking dish with the ramekins on the oven rack. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish to create a water bath, reaching halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely chilled.
Caramelizing the Top:
- Just before serving, combine the Manuka honey and granulated sugar. Spread an even layer of this mixture over the surface of each custard.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust. Be sure to keep the torch moving to avoid burning the sugar.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve your Manuka Honey Crème Brûlée immediately and enjoy!
Note: If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar topping under a broiler. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet, sprinkle with the honey-sugar mixture, and broil until caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Manuka Honey Crème Brûlée adds a delightful twist to the classic dessert with its rich, creamy custard and sweet, caramelized topping.