Banana Brulee Spoonfuls

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar, raw sugar, or demerara sugar

EQUIPMENT:

• A 8-inch square baking dish, preferably not aluminum
• A hot water bath 20 to 30 spoons, preferably long-handled
• A kitchen torch*

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Heat the cream, half-and-half, and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan over medium heat just to a boil. Immediately turn off the heat. Set aside to infuse for 10 minutes. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a large bowl just until combined. Whisking constantly, gradually pour in the hot cream mixture. Strain the mixture into the baking pan to smooth it and to remove the vanilla bean.

Place the pan in a hot water bath. Bake in the center of the oven until set but not too firm (it will cook a little more as it cools), 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the water bath and let cool 15 minutes. Tightly cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic does not touch the surface of the custard. (The recipe can be made up to this point and kept refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.)

Up to 4 hours before serving, fill your spoons with the chilled cooked custard by scooping each spoon into the pan of custard. Round the tops with a small spatula, or a butter knife. Keep cold. Right before serving, thinly slice the banana (about 1/8-inch thick). Top each spoonful of custard with a slice of banana, lightly pressing it onto the custard. Sprinkle the entire surface with a layer of coarse sugar and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining spoons. Torch the sugar until it is melted and well browned. Let cool 1 minute before serving.

*Propane Gas Torch Warning Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat or flame, and should not be exposed to prolonged sunlight. Propane gas torches should only be used in well-ventilated areas. When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you. Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve. Light the gas jet, and blow out the match. Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch. Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.