Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 30-40 mins

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a saucepan, combine cream, vanilla bean, and salt; cook over low heat just until hot. (If using vanilla extract, add it now.) In a bowl, beat yolks and sugar together until light. Stir about a quarter of the vanilla cream into this mixture to temper, then pour the sugar-egg mixture into the cream and whisk. Pour into four 6-ounce ramekins and place ramekins in a baking dish; fill dish with boiling water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until centers are barely set. Cool completely. Refrigerate for several hours and up to a couple of days. When ready to serve, top each custard with about a teaspoon of sugar in a thin layer. Place ramekins in a broiler 2 to 3 inches from the heat source. Turn on the broiler. Cook until sugar melts and browns or even blackens a bit, about 5 minutes. Serve within 2 hours.

We love celebrating Valentine's Day with a special, romantic dinner - and we much prefer to do this at home as opposed to going out, when everyone else is out celebrating. No celebratory meal is complete without a fancy dessert, and crème brûlée is one of our absolute favorites! While it takes a few steps, it is well worth the effort. And the ingredients are items you're likely to already have on hand.

A few fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, make a beautiful and delicious topping garnish. It also looks great for Valentine's Day! Add a sprig of mint, and you'll look like a pro!