sunday sweets {pumpkin creme brulee}

1.

Do any of you ever get sick of pumpkin desserts in the fall? Didn't think so. 


I could eat desserts with cinnamon or pumpkin just about everyday of the week. This Sunday I chose to take a break from pie making and try something I've never made before. My friend lent me her blow torch and I was all amped up to use it. Unfortunately I realized at the last minute it didn't work and was forced to use the broiler, which is obviously much less fun. They still came out great though, and I was pleased to see that the sugar layer was thick enough to crack {in my opinion, one of the best parts of eating creme brulee}. These were delicious, in case you're wondering, and super easy. If you're looking for a departure from the usual pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, these would definitely work. 


Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups heavy whipping cream
8 tablespoons raw sugar or golden brown sugar


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk pumpkin, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in large bowl. Whisk in egg yolks and vanilla, then spices and salt. Bring cream just to boil in medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot cream into pumpkin mixture.

2. Divide mixture among eight 5x1-inch ramekins. Divide ramekins between 2 large roasting pans. Add enough hot water to pans to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake until custards are just set in center, about 35 minutes. Chill custards until cold, about 6 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon raw sugar over pumpkin custard in each ramekin. Using kitchen torch, melt sugar until deep amber. (Alternatively, use broiler. Place ramekins on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with brown sugar [not raw sugar] and melt directly under broiler until deep amber.) Refrigerate 15 minutes to allow sugar to harden. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead. Keep chilled.

Enjoy!