Creme Brulee would rate high on my list of favorite desserts, maybe even in the top three! It's rich silky texture is perfect for ending a special meal, come on who doesn't like to smash through that crunchy caramelized top layer? Three words for ya'- Pumpkin Creme Brulee.
I'd be so happy with a plain, traditional creme brulee but there's so many ways to pimp them out. You can add fresh berries or crushed cookies, I even tried a foie gras version and still have dreams about it. For these, I added squares of white chocolate to the bottom of my ramekins and mixed in some pumpkin and fall spices to the mixture. If you don't make these you'll break my heart, I'm not kidding. It's such an easy make-ahead dessert that'll blow your socks off! For variation you might also be interested in artichoke hearts.
No worries if you don't own a blow torch for the sugar top, but I've had mine for years and it's a great tool to have. You can always throw the creme brulee under a piping hot broiler but be super-careful because those ramekins can get space shuttle hot! Also a torch will give you a more evenly caramelized top, ah geez just buy a torch and be done with it. I promise you'll make way more creme brulee than ever but that's totally acceptable.I love creme brulee!
