Caramel Cup Custard

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a non-reactive saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and lemon juice. Cook the sugar until it dissolves and turns smooth and brown, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and spoon 1 tablespoon of the caramel into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, vanilla and remaining sugar together, until the sugar dissolves. Pour the egg/cream mixture into each ramekin.

Fill the baking pan with enough water to reach three quarters of the way up the sides of the cups. Bake the custards for 1 hour, or until the custards are set. Remove the custards from the oven and cool. Refrigerate the custards for at least 4 hours.

Loosen the custards and invert onto a small plate. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint.

This recipe yields 4 servings.