160g/6oz sugarunsalted butter, for greasing the ramekinsFor the custard160g/6oz sugarunsalted butter, for greasing the ramekinsFor the custard4 free-range eggs1 tsp vanilla extract25g/1oz caster sugar600ml/1 pint full-fat milkpouring cream, to serve
Pre-heat oven 150C/300F/Gas 2. Warm the ramekins in the oven, so they are warm when the caramel is poured in.
First make the caramel. Pour the sugar and six tablespoons of water into a clean stainless steel pan.
Dissolve the sugar slowly, stirring with a wooden spoon over a low heat.
When there are no sugar granules left, stop stirring and boil until the sugar turns a dark copper colour.
Remove immediately from the heat to ensure the caramel does not burn. Quickly pour the caramel into the warmed ramekins.
Set aside to cool and become hard. (Do not put in the fridge because the sugar will absorb moisture and go soft and tacky).
Once hard, butter the sides of the ramekins above the level of the caramel.