Name: Creme Brulee Sweet Potatoes
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H25M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H50M0.000S
Yield: 8 to 12 servings
Ingredients: 4 pounds orange sweet potatoes; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the dish; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream, warm; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg; Pinch of kosher salt, plus more if needed; Zest of 1 orange, optional (but excellent); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Special equipment:

a kitchen torch

For the sweet potato base: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Pierce the sweet potatoes, place on a baking sheet and roast until completely tender, 50 to 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, cook the butter until melted and deeply golden and nutty, 5 to 7 minutes.
Carefully scoop out the hot sweet potato flesh. Pass it through a potato ricer into a large bowl or mash it until completely smooth. Mix in the browned butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and orange zest if using. Taste and adjust with more salt if needed. Let cool slightly, then thoroughly mix in the eggs.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.
Spread the sweet potato mixture in the prepared dish, keeping the surface as level as possible.
Bake until set but still creamy, 25 to 30 minutes. Let rest about 10 minutes.
For the brûlée topping: Right before serving, blot any moisture from the surface if necessary. Sprinkle a very thin, even layer of the granulated sugar over the entire casserole. Using a kitchen torch, heat slowly until the sugar melts, bubbles and becomes deep amber. Let the topping harden for 2 to 3 minutes.

Cook’s Note

Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them keeps the flavor concentrated and prevents a watery casserole.

Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, open flame and prolonged exposure to sunlight. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas. Follow torch manufacturer's instructions for use.