Chocolate Pot de Creme Brulee
- 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 1/4 cups heavy cream
- Pinch of instant espresso powder
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 to 12 teaspoons sugar
- Special equipment: kitchen blowtorch
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Arrange 6 (6-ounce) ramekins in a roasting pan.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
- In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and instant espresso powder and bring almost to a simmer over medium heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
- Allow to sit 1 minute.
- Using a whisk, combine the ingredients until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- (You could also heat the cream in the microwave until almost boiling.
- Pour over the chocolate and espresso powder.
- Let sit 2 minutes, and then whisk to combine.)
- Whisk the egg yolks, orange zest and sugar in large bowl to blend.
- Gradually whisk in the hot chocolate mixture and stir until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Divide the custard equally among the cups using either a 4-ounce ladle or a 6-ounce ladle.
- Using a wet paper towel, clean up the sides of the ramekins, if needed.
- Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the cups.
- (You could also place the ramekins in the roasting pan, place the pan in the oven and pour the water into the pan, halfway up the sides of the ramekins.)
- Bake the custards until just set around the edges but still soft in the center, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Carefully remove the ramekins from the water.
- Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold.
- Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar evenly over each custard.
- Pick up the ramekin and gently swirl the sugar to evenly distribute.
- Working with 1 pot de creme at a time, hold a blowtorch so that the flame is 2 inches above the surface.
- Starting in the center and working in a circular motion, heat the sugar until it melts and caramelizes.
- Cook's Note: Feel free to try different chocolates or a combination of 2 or more.
- Milk chocolate adds mellow sweetness to the mix, while bittersweet chocolate adds a rich complexity.
- I find kids (and the kid in some adults) clamor for the milk chocolate and many adults adore the semisweet or bittersweet.
- Alternately, play with flavors.
- Swap out the espresso powder for a splash of raspberry liqueur, like Chambord or Framboise for a fruity finish.
- Experiment and find what you love-it's fun!
- Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, open flame, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- They should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
- When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you.
- Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve.
- Light the gas jet, and blow out the match.
- Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch.
- Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.
bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, espresso powder, egg yolks, fresh orange zest, sugar, sugar, kitchen blowtorch
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-thornton/chocolate-pot-de-creme-brulee-recipe.html (may not work)