Dulce de Leche crème brûlée

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Warm cream over low heat in a saucepan.
2. Scrape vanilla seeds from the pod and add to cream.
3. Heat for 5 minutes without bringing to the boil, then remove from heat.
4. In a large bowl, mix egg yolks and sugar.
5. Slowly stir in cream, then dulce de leche.
6. Pour into 8 ramekins and place into a pan filled with enough hot water to reach three-quarters up the sides of the ramekins.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and refrigerate.
9. Before serving, caramelize the top: sprinkle on sugar and use a kitchen torch or iron, or place under broiler on the top rack of the oven.