How to Make Creme Brulee Oatmeal

Why settle for boring oatmeal? Add the sweet taste of crème brûlée to your heart-healthy oats for a brunch treat or an unusual dessert. Although this dish is too complex to make before you dash out the door to work, it can be refrigerated for a day or two, meaning you can make it at night and it cold for breakfast the next morning.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cups half-and-half
• Saucepan
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 6-oz. ramekins, 4
• Additional half-and-half
• Fresh berries
• Propane torch (optional)

Instructions

1. Beat the yolks of two large eggs and 1/4 cup brown sugar in the top section of a double boiler. Place the bowl over the boiling water and whisk until the mixture is pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool and stir in 3/4 cups half-and-half.

2. Combine 3 1/2 cups water and 2 cups of old-fashioned oats in a saucepan, bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. Fully cook the oats, stirring occasionally until the oatmeal becomes thick (about 5 minutes).

3. Add half of the egg mixture to the oatmeal and blend. Fill four 6-ounce ramekins (or other small oven-proof dishes) with the oatmeal until two-thirds full. Top each dish with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the remaining egg mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

4. Carefully torch the tops of the oatmeal until they are caramelized and golden. If you don't have a propane torch, broil the oatmeal for about 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Crack the crispy tops and add more half-and-half and fresh berries.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a double boiler you can make one by using two pots, one smaller than the other. Fill the larger pot with water and place the smaller pot inside.

References

• "Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party"; Peter Callahan, et al.