Ingredients:
1/2 vanilla beans, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half
3 egg yolks
1 whole eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a food processor or blender combine vanilla bean with sugar until combined (30 sec.). Set aside.
In a saucepan on medium heat combine cream, half and half and vanilla sugar until it simmers. DO NOT BOIL.
In a large bowl whisk together egg yolks, egg, 1/4 cup sugar and salt.
Spoon a little of the hot cream into the egg mixture and then combine all the egg mixture with the cream mixture.
Using a strainer (to remove vanilla pieces) strain into 6 ramekin or custard dishes and arrange in a large baking pan.
Add hot water to the pan, about half way up dishes.
Bake for 33-45 minutes or until set.
Remove ramekins from pan and chill completely.
Caramelize each custard by burning sugar on top or putting under broiler.
Servings: 4
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 60 min.