1. To prepare brulee, preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium saucepan, heat water and salt. When water simmers, add oats and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3-5 minutes, or until water is absorbed and oats are tender. Divide oatmeal among the 4 ramekins.

2. In a separate medium saucepan, scald cream over high heat; do not boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 c. granulated sugar and egg yolks with fork or whisk. Pour 1/2 of the scalded cream into the egg mixture, stirring quickly; stir egg mixture back into remaining cream. Ladle cream mixture over oatmeal in ramekins

3. Bake 35 minutes in a water bath.

4. sprinkle sugar over the top and torch.