Gas Torches

If you're looking for finished photos of a nicely caramelized creme brulee, don't look here. The camera and I are in round 9, so thankfully I'll have a decision soon as to who has won the bout. The camera took me in the 8th, so all I've got is some lovely custard ready for its date with the slow oven. Nothing more.

Although I love him dearly, E does not crave sweets. I know, this sounds preposterous but that is not to say he doesn't eat them. Really, he'll eat anything I put in front of him, however he wouldn't seek a delicious strawberry tart with a crumbly crust and a nice vanilla cream on his own. Please keep in mind the fact that he'll consume any number of things may seem good, but also has drawbacks. (Think take-out for three meals a day when I'm traveling.)

Anyway, he does like creme brulee and the thought of making it at home, rather him having a reason to use a torch, clearly had him more interested in dinner than usual. He kindly asked if we should use his gas welding torch, but I let him know that the tiny kitchen torch I had would probably be sufficient. Let's just say it was exciting for all involved. I took Dorie's suggestion of placing a few raspberries from last weeks farm share in the dish before pouring the custard in and we both agreed that it was a nice change from the basic creamy treat. Although I do like this recipe, I'll probably continue to use Ina Garten's recipe form Barefoot in Paris, even though it makes enough custard for 20 "French-size" servings. Je suis Americain.

I saw this quote in this month's Saveur and must admit I love it. Its from A.A. Milne, author of Winne-the-Pooh.

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,' said piglet at last, 'What's the first thing you say to yourself?'

"What's for breakfast?' said Pooh. 'What do you say, Piglet?'

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?' said Piglet

"Pooh nodded thoughtfully. 'Its the same thing,' he said."

Pooh gets it.