Creme Brûlée and a Surprise Announcement

It's been a crazy week here so I thought we'd end it on a high note with a really great dessert.  Creme Brûlée flavored with lemon is fresh and light.  It's also really easy to make, so give it a try!

Now....make sure you come back on Monday to check out a surprise announcement.  It's a project I've been working on for a while and I hope you'll be as excited as I am!  Be sure to sign up to JOIN THIS SITE by clicking on the button at the right and "LIKE" A Southern Soul" on Facebook.  That way you'll get the most current updates and details.
I hope everyone has a great weekend with family and friends.  Maybe you've got a project on your to-do list or a new recipe to try...whatever's on your agenda, try to have fun, relax a little and ENJOY!

Creme Brûlée Flavored with Lemon

3 cups whipping cream
5 t. grated lemon peel
3/4 cup sugar
6 large egg yolks
2 t. vanilla 
1/4 t. salt
Golden brown sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Arrange 8 custard cups/dishes in a 13 x 9" metal pan.  
Combine cream and lemon peel in a small saucepan and bring to simmer.
Whisk sugar and yolks in a separate bowl until thick, about 2 minutes.  Gradually whisk in hot cream - a little at a time so that you don't scramble the eggs - then add vanilla and salt.  Let mixture stand for approximately 10 minutes.

Out of the hot tub and into the fridge!

Strain custard and divide among cups.  Pour hot water (not boiling) from a kettle into baking pan - enough to come up half way on the cups.
Bake custard until just set in center about 45-50 minutes.  Remove and chill uncovered at least 3 hours.  

Getting crispy with a flame!

To make sugar crust, crush the light brown sugar (through a mesh strainer or with the back of a spoon) and divide between cups.  Custards can be put under the broiler about 2 minutes or a cooks torch can be used.  Chill until sugar is hard and crisp, about 1 hour.
Serve alone or with fresh berries.
*You can make the custards a day ahead and after cooling, cover with plastic wrap until ready for sugar topping.