Instructions: Scald milk, with a piece of vanilla bean added. In mixing bowl, beat together eggs and 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar for 1 minute. Stir in boiling milk, beating constantly until well blended.

Meanwhile, in small, heavy saucepan, cook remaining sugar with water, stirring constantly, until sugar is slightly browned. Pour a little of browned sugar from pan in each of 4 custard cups. Fill cups with milk mixture. Place cups in pan containing hot water and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes, or until custard is well set and a pointed knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Unmold on serving dish.

Suggested Wine: Chilled Bordeaux Sauternes; chilled sweet Semillon.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.