Crème Brûlée

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– 5 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. **Heat the Cream:**
– In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:**
– In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.

4. **Combine the Cream and Egg Mixture:**
– Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

5. **Strain the Mixture:**
– Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or another bowl to remove any lumps or the vanilla bean.

6. **Prepare the Ramekins:**
– Place 4-6 ramekins (depending on their size) in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly into the ramekins.

7. **Create a Water Bath:**
– Pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins, being careful not to splash any water into the custard. The water should come about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

8. **Bake:**
– Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

9. **Cool:**
– Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

10. **Caramelize the Sugar:**
– Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of light brown sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy top. Alternatively, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

11. **Serve:**
– Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute to harden before serving.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious Crème Brûlée!