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Chocolate Custard Cups

The custards are based on French pots de creme ("potted custards"), which are baked in individual cups or ramekins. These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
Everyday Food, October 2003
  • Prep Time 15 minutes
  • Total Time 1 hour
  • Yield Serves 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bring a kettle of water to a boil. In a medium saucepan, bring half-and-half and vanilla just to a boil. Remove from heat.
  2. Place egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat until light, then whisk in chocolate. Whisking constantly, gradually add hot half-and-half mixture. Skim any foam from surface.
  3. Divide mixture among four (6-ounce) custard cups, and place in a baking dish just large enough to hold them. Place in oven, and pour enough boiling water in dish to come halfway up sides of cups. Drape a sheet of aluminum foil over top of baking dish (do not seal).
  4. Bake custards until just set but still slightly wobbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove cups from dish; refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.

Recipe Reviews

  • CorrieS
    6 Oct, 2011

    This is a family favorite. Very easy, and oh so rich and indulgent. I love to top it with a dollop of homemade butterscotch whipped cream.

  • natalieangelo
    13 Dec, 2008

    Half-and-half can be found in the dairy section of the supermarket by the milk and cream. I'm pretty sure it is a mix of milk and cream. Usually comes in like pint-sized cartons. Should be easy to find.

  • natalieangelo
    13 Dec, 2008

    Half-and-half can be found in the dairy section of the supermarket by the milk and cream. I'm pretty sure it is a mix of milk and cream. Usually comes in like pint-sized cartons. Should be easy to find.

  • Limau
    12 Dec, 2008

    i still do not know what is half and half???

  • anitadas
    12 Dec, 2008

    what is half and half

  • ginarae
    27 Jan, 2008

    I made this recipe with my three year old nephew today. It was easy and simple. Each step was easy enough for a toddler to help out with. This recipe is a winner based on ease of preparation alone. The custards were also delicious. Creamy and silky and chocolaty!