twenty-seven.

Today is my birthday. Growing up, birthday's always meant a day of favorites. We ate the birthday girl's favorite breakfast, we planned the menu for our favorite dinner {or chose our favorite restaurant}, and were of course given some of our {new} favorite things.

Creme brulee has been unyielding on the list of favorites for the last long while. It's classic with a bit of exotic. It's playful with it's crunchy shell but hides the perfect creamy texture below the surface. It's just plain good. I usually like vanilla {with the rich, gourmet beans} but have ventured to try a variety of flavors. This is my dessert of choice. And since dessert equals birthdays and birthdays equal favorites, I thought I would share a favorite of mine.

So, the elements for the perfect {at home} brulee? [Because it's a lot easier to make than you imagine..]

a 'tried and true' recipe.

your favorite ramekins.

a kitchen torch.

some good vanilla.

Happy day!