Lime and Rum Caramel Creams

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 300°F.

   Step 2

   In a small heavy saucepan stir together rum, water, and 3/4 cup sugar and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cook mixture, without stirring, until sugar is dissolved and begins to turn golden caramel. Immediately divide caramel among six 1-cup ramekins, tilting them to coat bottoms evenly. (If caramel begins to thicken before all ramekins are filled, reheat it over low heat until just pourable.) Let caramel cool.

   Step 3

   In a large saucepan scald milk with cream over moderate heat. In a large heat-proof bowl whisk together whole eggs, yolks, and remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar until mixture is combined well. Add scalded milk mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly, and whisk in lime juice, zest, and rum extract. Strain mixture through a coarse sieve into a heat-proof pitcher or measuring cup (at least 6-cup capacity).

   Step 4

   Arrange ramekins in a baking pan just large enough to hold them and divide mixture evenly among them. Add enough hot water to baking pan to reach two-thirds up sides of ramekins. Carefully put a single piece of foil over all ramekins, tucking it loosely around them, and bake in middle of oven about 1 hour 10 minutes (custards should appear set when shaken). Remove ramekins carefully from baking pan and let creams cool. Chill caramel creams, covered, 6 hours or overnight.

2. Step 5

   Run a thin knife around sides of caramel creams and gently shake them from side to side to loosen. Invert a dessert plate over each ramekin and invert caramel creams onto plates.