Lavender and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

This classic French dessert is made with heavy cream, lavender, vanilla bean, and a caramelized sugar topping.

Ingredients - Serves 6

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a medium saucepan, bring the cream, lavender, and vanilla bean to a simmer over medium heat.
Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Slowly add the cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup.
Divide the mixture among 6 ramekins.
Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the custards are just set.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Sprinkle the tops of the custards with the remaining sugar.
Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden brown.