Double Deck Pot De Crème Recipes

CHEF STUART'S TRADITIONAL POT DE CREME

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Put the chocolate in large bowl and set aside. Bring the cream and milk, just to a boil, in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Pour the mixture over the chocolate and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the espresso powder or extract, the egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until well combined. Remove the plastic wrap, and stir the chocolate and milk mixture with a spatula until well combined. The mixture should not be grainy.
• Whisk the egg mixture slowly into the chocolate until incorporated. Arrange 12 ramekins in a large, deep baking dish filled halfway with water. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly into the ramekins. Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, carefully take the ramekins from the water bath and let cool. Put a teaspoon of creme fraiche on each portion and serve immediately.

EASY POTS DE CREME

Steps:

• Combine egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add heavy cream and half-and-half; blend again. Add chocolate and vanilla extract and blend until chocolate is very finely chopped. Carefully pour hot coffee through the opening while blender is running; blend until chocolate is melted and smooth.
• Pour mixture into small serving dishes. Let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.

NO-BAKE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE POTS DE CRèME

Steps:

• Have ready six 6-oz (180ml) ramekins (3-1/2" wide by 1-2/3" high) or other cups and make room in the fridge. (Small teacups, demitasse- this is not baked).
• Put the heavy cream in a small saucepan (or microwave in a 4-cup heatproof bowl) and heat just until boiling. Once boiling, slide off the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Add the sugar, chopped chocolate, butter, vanilla, and salt and whisk until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool until warm and no longer hot.
• Pour the chocolate cream evenly into the ramekins or cups. Depending on what size cups you are using, they will be filled two-thirds to three-quarters of the way. Set aside until cooled to room temperature. Cover the tops- not the custard surface- with plastic and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 4 hours.
• Make ahead: The crèmes can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 4 days before serving. Finishing Touches: Serve w/slightly sweetened whipped cream, and a few chocolate shavings.
• Mocha: add 1 tsp instant espresso powder along w/cocoa powder. Add 1 Tbsp dark rum or coffee-flavored liquor along with the vanilla.
• Orange- add 2 tsp finely grated orange zest w/the cocoa powder. Add 1 Tbsp orange-flavored liquor along w/the vanilla. Smooth- strain mixture before adding chocolate. Stronger flavor- heat zest & cream, cover & let sit for 15 minutes. Strain if smooth texture is wanted.

CHOCOLATE POTS DE CRèME

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Bring cream and milk just to simmer in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth. Whisk yolks and sugar in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in hot chocolate mixture. Strain mixture into another bowl. Cool 10 minutes, skimming any foam from surface.
• Divide custard mixture among six 3/4-cup custard cups or soufflé dishes. Cover each with foil. Place cups in large baking pan. Add enough hot water to pan to come halfway up sides of cups. Bake until custards are set but centers still move slightly when gently shaken, about 55 minutes. Remove from water. Remove foil. Chill custards until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.)