In upper part of double boiler, heat 3 cups of heavy cream with a 1-inch piece of vanilla bean. In a bowl, beat 6 tablespoons of sugar with 6 egg yolks until light and creamy. Take out the vanilla bean, and stir the warm cream into the yolks very carefully and slowly.

Return the mixture to the double boiler, over boiling water. Stir constantly until the custard coats the spoon. Then put to a glass serving dish and place it in the refrigerator to set. When ready to serve, cover the top of the custard completely with brown sugar, using 1/2 cup or more. Place the dish on a bowl of crushed ice and place custard under broiler flame until sugar melts and caramelizes. Keep watching it, for the sugar will burn. Serve immediately.