Chocolate Pots de Crèmes
Valentine’s Day. It happens every year, like it or not. No matter your feelings on the subject, we think it’s a pretty good idea to include these dense, deeply chocolaty treats on the menu. It may seem like gilding the lily, but they benefit from the contrast of the soft whipped cream. So whether you’re seeking romance or a place to hide your sorrows, these will do the trick.
Directions
Put the chocolate and espresso powder into a large bowl and set a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and salt until light and slightly paler in color.
Heat the half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to steam and small bubbles form at the edges. Stream the hot liquid into the egg yolks while constantly whisking. Pour the mixture back into the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom with a rubber spatula until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil.
Pour the custard through the strainer over the chocolate in the bowl, then remove the strainer. Let chocolate and custard sit for 1 minute. Add vanilla and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Pour into six 4-ounce ramekins. Cover the surfaces lightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings.
Cook’s Notes
The custard has thickened enough when it coats the back of a spoon and a finger drawn across it leaves a clean trail.
