CREME CARAMEL WITH RAISINS

Steps:

• Place the raisins in a dish, add the rum, cover, and allow to steep for 24 hours.
• Place 2/3 cup of the sugar and 6 tablespoons water in a medium-size nonstick skillet. Swirl to moisten the sugar. Then, bring to a boil and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture turns to dark caramel.
• Pour a thin layer of the caramel into each of 10 half-cup ramekins or dariole molds, enough caramel to coat the bottoms. Scatter the marinated raisins into the ramekins. Set aside.
• Place the milk and 1/2 cup of the sugar into a saucepan, and bring just to a boil.
• Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of the sugar with the eggs and egg yolk. Pour in the hot milk in a thin stream. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and add the vanilla. Pour into the ramekins.
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Place the ramekins in a baking dish or a roasting pan, and add enough warm water to the pan so that the water comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until firm.
• Remove the ramekins from the water bath, and allow the custards to cool. Then, refrigerate them at least 4 hours. To serve, unmold by running a thin knife around the edges of the custards, and invert them onto small plates.