Pots de crème
With just the right balance of cayenne pepper, bittersweet chocolate and cream, this 17th century French dessert custard is sure to be a crowd pleaser next time you have company.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch of salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Ice cream or whipped cream to serve
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a heavy, medium-size saucepan on medium, heat the cream and milk to just to a simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate. Whisk until melted and smooth then add the vanilla, cayenne and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Whisk in the hot chocolate mixture a bit at a time. Let cool 10 minutes, then skim any foam from the surface.
Divide this custard between the baking dishes. Place them in a roasting pan with at least 2-inch sides. Pour warm water into the pan, enough to come halfway up the sides of the bakers.
Bake until the custards are set but the centers still move slightly when gently shaken, about 40 minutes. Remove from the water bath and chill until cold, a few hours. Cover and keep chilled until ready to serve.Add a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings and voila!
Keyword French Flavour, Quick & Easy