Espresso Brulee

Photo: flickr user Aaron Gustafson

Ingredients

500 mls Double cream, (17fl oz)

5 tablespoons Extra strong black coffee

6 Egg yolks

2 dshs Vanilla essence, (2 to 3)

3 tablespoons Caster sugar

Demerera sugar for sprinkling

Preparation

Pre-heat the oven to 160 C/325 F/gas mark 3.

Place the cream and coffee in a large bowl and beat in the egg yolks, vanilla essence and caster sugar. Pour into 4 x 10cm (4 inch) ramekin dishes. Place the ramekins in a roasting tin lined with newspaper. Pour enough hot water into the tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekin dishes. Cook in the oven for one hour until just set. Allow to cool, then chill for at least 4 hours.

Pre-heat the grill to hot. Sprinkle an even layer of demerera sugar about 2mm (1/8 inch) thick over the custards. Place under the grill for 3-5 minutes until the sugar melts and caramelises. Leave to cool a little so the caramel sets before serving.