- High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or above)
- Heavy cream
- Hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolks
- Unsalted butter
- Cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)
Use these ingredients to create delicious and creamy chocolate hazelnut pots de crème. Perfect for a special dessert or an elegant treat at any occasion. Don't forget to toast your hazelnuts for maximum flavor!
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Steps
### Chocolate Hazelnut Pots de Crème: A Luxurious Dessert Recipe
#### Introduction
Pots de crème, a traditional French custard, takes on a luxurious twist when combined with rich chocolate and the nutty flavor of hazelnuts. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat, this dessert is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Follow these steps for a deliciously creamy and decadent chocolate hazelnut pots de crème.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 egg yolks, separated
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur or brandy (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Hazelnuts for garnish
#### Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small ramekins
- Oven mitts
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Cream Base
1. **Heat Milk and Cream**: In a medium saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over low heat until just warm (around 70°C or 158°F). Avoid boiling as this can curdle the eggs.
2. **Mix Sugar and Eggs**: In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale yellow and slightly thickened.
#### Step 2: Blend in Dry Ingredients
3. **Add Cocoa Powder and Salt**: Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while continuously stirring to prevent curdling.
4. **Fold in Liqueur (Optional)**: Add hazelnut liqueur if using, then mix gently.
#### Step 3: Infuse Flavor
5. **Stir in Hazelnuts**: Fold in vanilla extract and any reserved chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
#### Step 4: Prepare Ramekins
6. **Grease the Ramekins**: Lightly grease each ramekin with butter or non-stick spray.
7. **Fill Ramekins**: Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for expansion.
#### Step 5: Baking
8. **Bake in Water Bath**: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place a baking sheet with hot water (about an inch deep) on the bottom rack of your oven.
9. **Place Ramekins in Pan**: Carefully place ramekins into another pan or roasting tray, ensuring they are not touching each other or the sides of the larger pan.
#### Step 6: Bake and Cool
10. **Bake for 35-45 Minutes**: Place the baking tray with ramekins on a rack in the middle of your oven. Bake until set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
11. **Remove and Chill**: Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
#### Step 7: Serve
12. **Garnish with Hazelnuts**: Just before serving, garnish each pot de crème with a few chopped hazelnuts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added texture.
13. **Serve Chilled**: Enjoy your chocolate hazelnut pots de crème cold for the best texture and flavor.
#### Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate chips if you want to make a variation with chocolate chunks.
- For an extra rich version, add a few tablespoons of melted chocolate to the base mixture.
By following these steps and using quality ingredients, you'll create a beautifully creamy, intensely flavored chocolate hazelnut pots de crème that will impress your guests. Enjoy crafting this luxurious dessert!
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**Keywords:** Chocolate Hazelnut Pots de Crème, French Custard, Dessert Recipe, Creamy Chocolate, Nutty Flavor, Chocolate Liqueur, Vanilla Extract, Oven-Baked Pots De Crème