Step #2 In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Step #3 Set aside.
Step #4 In a medium, heavy-based saucepan, milk, heat the brown sugar, & cream over medium-heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Step #5 Scald the mixture (do not boil it) & remove it from heat.
Step #6 While the cream mixture is heating, dissolve the sugar & water over low heat/flame in a large, heavy-based saucepan increase the heat to high & boil the sugar until it's amber in color.
Step #7 If the sugar starts to sputter, use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pan.
Step #8 As soon as the sugar turns dark amber (like an old penny), carefully & slowly pour the hot cream into it, stirring the mixture.
Step #9 (The caramel will bubble as you add the cream, so use a long wooden spoon or whisk to mix them.
Step #10 ) carefully & slowly whisk the cream mixture into the egg yolks.
Step #11 stir in the the salt & vanilla.
Step #12 Strain the pudding & cool it in an ice bath or put in the fridge until cool.
Step #13 Skim off any air bubbles from the puddi ng mixture & divide the cool pudding mixture among 6 (6-oz) ramekins.
Step #14 Set the ramekins in a shallow roasting pan & fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step #15 Cover the pan with foil.
Step #16 Bake the pudding until just set.
Step #17 Begin checking after 1 hr.
Step #18 When carefully shaken, they should no longer look liquid; instead, the custard will move as one mass.
Step #19 Allow the pudding to cool to about room temp in the water.
Step #20 put in the fridge the pudding for several hrs or overnight before serving.
Step #21 The pudding will keep its dark color if put in the fridged uncovered.
Step #22 It will taste no different but will look lighter if you cover it, which you should do (after if has cooled completely) if you have any strong flavored food your refrigerator.