Pot de Crème is essentially a crème brûlée without the caramelized top. It’s a decadently rich cream custard. In this recipe, made with good old-fashioned bittersweet chocolate, it also works well with white chocolate. I prefer serving Pot de Crème in espresso cups. That way, the portions are just the right size, and you can really appreciate the flavors and textures without overdoing it on the fat and sugar front. Top them with fresh raspberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You won’t be disappointed.

Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

2. Bring the cream and milk to a slow boil in a small pot over high heat. Remove from the heat immediately and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate and whisk until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth but not foamy. Gradually combine the cooled chocolate mixture and the egg mixture in the large mixing bowl, stirring constantly. Strain the combined mixture through a fine sieve and pour into individual espresso cups.

4. Line the bottom of an ovenproof glass dish (large enough to hold all the espresso cups) with newspaper for proper heat transfer. Transfer the cups to the dish and fill it two-thirds full with hot water. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the custard has set. Remove from the oven, allow to cool to room temperature, then place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with the garnish or accompaniment of your choice: Try fresh raspberries and whipped cream, confectioner’s sugar, caramel ice cream, or cocoa powder.

Other Chocolate Recipes

Adriana's Chocolate Torte
Chocolate Brownies with Almonds
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries
Chocolate Souffle
S'mores
Triple Chocolate Delight