Why Burnt Cream?

The title for this blog stems from an experience some years ago, when a friend asked a rather intriguing question: If you had to choose a food that best describes your character, what would it be?

I thought quite hard on this one and what I came up with was crème brûlée. Since then, I have asked a number of others the very same question, and I've found it to be telling. I've never questioned my admission to being a custard, because what I said then remains true today. My explanation, as best as I can remember...

Crème Brûlée is not for everyone, and for many who enjoy it, it's an acquired taste. It's not the prettiest looking thing - crispy and burnt, far from grand. The custard is protected by a rough exterior, though it's easily broken by a well-intentioned tap or two. The inside: Rich, creamy goodness. Complexity of flavor. Warmth. Perhaps, a touch of spice. Sweet, but not too much so. It's taste and texture varies over time and space.

So, yeah, that's me in a ramekin.