Pumpkin is one of the great flavors of fall.  What better way to enjoy it than in dessert!!   If you are not ambitious enough to make this at home, come dine in our restaurant.  We serve this dish at the Hartstone Inn throughout the season on our 6pm menu.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Recipe

by Chef Michael Salmon

serves 4

5 egg yolks

1/4 cup plus 1 tsp granulated sugar

1 cup heavy cream

3 tbsp whole milk

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp each: nutmeg, ginger and allspice

whipped cream

mint for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Heat about one quart of water in a teakettle (or saucepan) for a hot water bath.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.  Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice. and whisk in cream and milk,

3.Divide the custard mixture between four shallow 3/4-cup volume ceramic dishes.  Place in a pan with at least one inch sides.  Fill the pan with hot water about halfway up the sides of the dishes.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until firm.  Remove from the oven and water bath and cool.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5.  To serve, evenly sprinkle the top of each crème brûlée with enough granulated sugar to cover.  Using a torch, slowly begin to caramelize the sugar, moving the torch around a lot to prevent burning in any given area.  Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint.