Instructions: Heat cream to boiling point with vanilla bean. Mix sugar and egg yolks.

Remove vanilla bean from cream; gradually whisk in egg mixture. Pour into buttered custard cups; bake in bain marie (pan of hot water) in 250F oven about 1 to 11/2 hours, until set around edges. Remove from bain marie; cool and refrigerate.

Before serving, sieve brown sugar over top. Place under broiler for a few seconds until sugar bubbles. (Watch carefully so topping doesnt burn.)

Makes 4 to 6 small servings. (Sirio Maccioni, Le Cirque

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