Ingredients

1-3/4 cups sugar, divided1-1/3 cups whole milk1-1/3 cups half-and-half cream3 large eggs4 egg large yolksDash salt2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°. In a small heavy saucepan, spread 3/4 cup sugar; cook, without stirring, over medium-low heat until it begins to melt. Gently drag melted sugar to center of pan so sugar melts evenly. Cook, without stirring, until melted sugar turns a medium amber color, about 5 minutes. Quickly pour into six ungreased 6-oz. custard cups.

In a small saucepan, heat milk and cream until bubbles form around sides of pan; remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, salt and remaining sugar until blended but not foamy. Slowly whisk in hot milk mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Place custard cups in a baking pan large enough to hold them without touching. Pour egg mixture into cups. Place pan on oven rack; add very hot water to pan to within 1/2 in. of top of cups. Bake 35-40 minutes or until center is just set (mixture will jiggle). Remove cups from water bath immediately to a wire rack; cool 10 minutes. Refrigerate until cold.

To unmold, run a knife around edges and invert onto individual rimmed dishes. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.