10-Minute Mocha Pots De Crème

Mocha Pots De Crème Makes four 1/2 cup servings

Pot de crème is the French answer to American pudding. And this no-bake version whips up in minutes—literally—with the help of a trusty blender.

My friend Sarah is a fabulous cook, but she maintains that when it comes to a dinner party, the only thing that matters is the dessert. One evening, Sarah served these "petits pots" for dessert, and I found their velvety texture addictive. For those fearful of eating uncooked egg yolks, this recipe doesn't use them, and the texture doesn't suffer as a result.

Chocolate and rum provide the key flavors in this pudding. Sarah pairs Mount Gay rum with Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate (available in my grocery store). Sometimes I splurge and buy Valrhona bittersweet and Myers's dark rum, a combination that always receives raves.

1 cup (8 fl ounces/233 ml) heavy cream
4 ounces (113 grams) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder or
instant coffee granules (any type, even decaf, will do)
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Go-withs: Sweetened Whipped Cream (page 46 of the book) and chocolate shavings (see page 42) for garnish (optional)

1. Have ready 4 small ramekins or classic pot de crème pots (those are the little cups with the lids) just slightly larger than 1/2 cup each. (The vessels do not need to be ovenproof, as this is a no-bake recipe. You can even use teacups, so use your prettiest options.)

2. In a small saucepan or the microwave, heat the cream just until boiling. Meanwhile, dump the chopped chocolate, sugar, and espresso powder or coffee granules into a blender. When the cream is just boiling, pour it into the blender. Pop the lid on and blend on medium-high speed until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is frothy and smooth. Add the liqueur and vanilla and process until blended, about 10 seconds.

3. Using a spoon, skim off the foam from the top of the custard and discard. Pour the chocolate cream into the cups or ramekins, dividing it evenly. Top with lids (if you're using proper porcelain pots de creme pots) or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a few chocolate shavings, if desired.

Storage: Cover the cups with plastic wrap (no need to press the plastic directly onto the pudding; they won't form a skin) or lids and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Flavor Variations

Substitute an equal amount of bourbon or dark rum for the coffee liqueur. You can also substitute a licorice-, orange-, or raspberry-flavored liqueur, but make sure to omit the instant espresso powder or coffee granules when you use these.

Buy the Book!

from:
The Weekend Baker
Irresistible Recipes, Simple Techniques and Stress-Free Strategies for Busy People
by Abigail Johnson Dodge
W. W. Norton & Company
Hardcover: 352 pages; $30.00
ISBN: 0393058832
Recipe reprinted by permission.