Irresistible Baked Chocolate Custard Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

To make five small custards, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pint of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 ounce of high-quality dark chocolate (such as Ghirardelli or Lindt)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1-inch piece of stick cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons of sugar (divided)
• 1 tablespoon of boiling water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Infuse the Milk: Place the milk and cinnamon stick in a double boiler. Heat over medium flame for about 10 minutes to infuse the milk with the cinnamon flavor.

2. Prepare the Chocolate: Shave the chocolate into small pieces. In a small pan, combine the shaved chocolate, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of boiling water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

3. Combine Ingredients: Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk. Stir the chocolate mixture into the hot milk until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool.

4. Mix the Custard Base: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until well blended. Gradually add the cooled milk mixture, stirring continuously. Strain the mixture to ensure a smooth custard.

5. Bake the Custard: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard mixture into small cups or ramekins. Place the cups in a deep baking pan and add enough tepid water to the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the cups. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center. Test by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the custard is done.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the custards to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Serve cold for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Here's a quick look at the nutritional content per serving (one custard):

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Chocolate Consumption: The average American consumes approximately 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year (source: Statista).
• Custard Origins: Custard has been a popular dessert since the Middle Ages, originally used as a filling for pies and tarts (source: BBC).
• Health Benefits: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health and brain function (source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).

Tips for Perfect Custard

• Temperature Control: Ensure the milk mixture is cooled before adding it to the eggs to prevent curdling.
• Water Bath: The water bath helps to evenly distribute heat, preventing the custard from cracking.
• Testing for Doneness: A clean knife test is crucial to ensure the custard is fully set.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delightful baked chocolate custard that is sure to impress. Enjoy this classic dessert with a modern twist, and savor every creamy, chocolatey bite!