chocolate creme brulee

try making this very easy & elegant dessert at home. If you don't have a torch to brulee the tops, you can use your broiler with the rack placed in the highest position.

1 1/4 C heavy cream
4 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean
4 oz. dark bittersweet chocolate
1 T sugar
4-5 T sugar for topping

1. heat the cream & vanilla bean over a double boiler, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. remove the vanilla bean and save for something else. add chocolate and stir until melted completely, then remove mixture from heat.
2. whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a metal bowl big enough to fit on top of the double boiler
3. slowly pour the chocolate cream into the egg mixture, whisking while you pour.
4. place the mixture back on the double boiler and turn to low heat. Let simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
5. divide mixture into 4 ramekins and place in a baking dish. fill the baking dish with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in a pre-heated 300 F oven for up to one hour or until set.
6. remove from the water bath and cool completely before sprinkling remaining sugar on top and caramelizing with brulee torch or broiler. enjoy!