Rich and chocolatey, these little pots de creme are one of my favorite go-to chocolate recipes as they come together in 5 minutes in the blender. They're creamy and smooth and will satisfy your chocolate cravings with little effort (apart from the patience required for them to set.)
6oz (180g)semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (I used a bar with 54% cacao)
¼teaspoonkosher salt
2tablespoonbalsamic vinegar of Modena (try to find one with a PGI designation)
1teaspoonvanilla
1largeegg
½cup (4 oz)whole milk
½cup (4 oz)heavy cream
Mascarpone Topping and Garnish
½ cup (4 oz, 115 g)mascarpone cheese
½cup (4 oz)heavy cream
2teaspoongranulated sugar
1oz (30g)dark chocolate, very finely chopped
Instructions
Pots De Creme
Set aside four 8 oz glasses or ramekins.
Into the container of a blender, place the chopped dark chocolate, salt, balsamic vinegar, vanilla and egg. Cover with lid and process on low speed for 5 to 10 seconds, until ingredients are somewhat mixed together. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the blender.
In a microwave safe container, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Microwave on high power for 60 seconds, and then in 15 second increment as needed, until small bubbles form around the edge of the liquid and it is steaming hot. Do not boil.
Place the lid on the blender and remove the center plug to access the pour spout. Turn the blender on low and slowly pour in the hot milk/cream mixture. Replace plug and increase blender speed to medium. Blend for 60 seconds. If needed, scrape down sides of blender with spatula to ensure all chocolate is fully incorporated.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the four ramekins. Set aside on counter to cool, and then cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to set for 6 hours.
Mascarpone Topping and Garnish
Immediately before serving, place the mascarpone, heavy cream and granulated sugar into the bowl of a stand mixture fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on low speed until mascarpone is fully blended into the cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl several times. Increase speed to medium and beat until soft peaks form.
Place a generous spoonful of the mascarpone mixture on top of each chocolate dessert. Sprinkle with finely chopped chocolate and serve.