Pumpkin Creme Brulee

from Taste of Home Magazine, October & November 2009

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 6-oz ramekins

Ingredients

• 8  egg yolks
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup sugar, additional
• 3  cups heavy whipping cream
• 3⁄4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In small bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar. In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from the heat; stir a small amount of hot cream into egg yolk mixture. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Stir in the pumpkin, vanilla and spices.
3. Transfer to eight 6-oz ramekins or custard cups. Place ramekins in a baking pan; add 1 in of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until centers are just set (mixture will juggle). Remove ramekins from water bath; cool for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
4. If using a creme brulee torch, sprinkle with remaining sugar. Heat sugar with the torch until caramelized. Serve immediately.
5. If broiling the custards, place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Broil 8 inches from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.