Let's be serious for a moment: without that crackling, crystalized sugar crust on top, crème brûlée would just be custard. It would be very good custard, but that torched sugar is what makes it special. Brûlée-ing however, is not an act that should be reserved for crème. You can brûlée all sorts of foods, bringing a touch of decadence to every meal.

Crème brûlée is a flawless dessert but, unless you have a kitchen torch, you're probably not making them at home. But the Food Network claims to have a hack for getting that perfect, caramelised, crunchy sugar layer using a simple metal measuring cup. Whether it actually works is a mixed bag, though.