Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium-size bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth.
2. In a 2-quart saucepan, bring whipping cream to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring continuously.
3. Gradually add to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously until smooth. Add the vanilla bean paste.
4. Pour the mixture into ramekins or custard cups and place the ramekins in a baking pan. Fill pan with water to half the custard level.
5. Bake 45 minutes, or until set. Gently jiggle the ramekins to determine whether the crème brulée is done; the centers should wiggle just slightly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. When ready to serve, sprinkle about 2 tsp. sugar on top, then melt sugar with kitchen torch.