There's a perfect balance in every bite: The clover honey in the rich custard plays off the spicy cinnamon note in the crunchy sugar topping.
Ingredients For the Custard
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
4 cinnamon sticks, 2 inches each
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup clover honey
1/2 cup sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/4 cup)
9 large egg yolks
For the Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Instructions Checklist
Step 1Make the custard: Bring cream, milk, cinnamon sticks, and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and let steep 1 hour.
Step 2Meanwhile, preheat oven to 300 degrees. Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Place six 6-ounce creme brulee dishes or heatproof ramekins in a large roasting pan.
Step 3Pour cream mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, then return to pan. Add honey and 1/4 cup sugar; bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve. Whisk egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. One ladle at a time, whisk hot milk mixture into yolks.
Step 4Pour custard through sieve into a bowl, and ladle into dishes. Place pan in oven, and add enough boiling water to pan to reach halfway up sides of dishes. Bake until custards are just set, about 35 minutes (may take longer if using ramekins). Transfer dishes to a wire rack, and let cool. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Step 5Make the topping: Before serving, place dishes in freezer 20 minutes. Mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle a thin layer on custards. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar, or put custards under broiler, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with another layer of cinnamon sugar.