Creme Brule

3 cups heavy cream
1 cup half and half
1 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean
peel of one orange
4 whole eggs
5 egg yolks
1/2 shot Grand Marnier


In a large bowl combine the whole eggs, yolks, and sugar. Mix until thoroughly blended, but do not whip. In a thick bottom saucepan add heavy cream, half and half, orange peel, vanilla bean and vanilla bean scrapings. Scald cream mixture and let simmer for 15 minutes. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the egg mixture, while stirring constantly. Add Grand Marnier. Arrange custard cups in a shallow bake pan. Pour custard mixture into the cups. Pour enough hot water into the pan around the cups about 1/2 way up. Bake at 350 degrees until set. (45 minutes - 1 hour) Let cool and serve.