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Hazelnut Pots de Creme

White chocolate and toasted ground hazelnuts make a heavenly combination in this rich, silky custard. Guests are sure to rave over the elegant treats served in individual ramekins.

—ELISE LALOR ISSAQUAH, WA



PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 25 MIN. + CHILLING • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup ground hazelnuts, toasted

4 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped

6 egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur, optional

Chocolate curls

1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, heat cream, hazelnuts and chocolate until bubbles form around sides of pan and chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally.

2. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Remove cream mixture from heat; stir a small amount of hot cream mixture into egg mixture. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Stir in liqueur if desired. Strain, discarding hazelnuts.

3. Transfer to six 6-oz. ramekins. Place in a baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until centers are just set (mixture will jiggle). Remove ramekins from water bath; cool 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Garnish servings with chocolate curls.

TOP TIP

Dress It Up!

Chocolate garnishes are a cinch to create for Valentine desserts. Simply use a vegetable peeler to “peel” curls from a solid block of room temperature chocolate, allowing the curls to fall gently onto a plate.