In the spirit of February, a month know for romance, flowers, and chocolate, I thought I would share one of my all-time childhood favorite desserts that my mom would make. After all, Chocolate Day is celebrated the third day of Valentine’s week which we just celebrated last week. And, what says “I Love You” better than a box of chocolates.
Chocolate, at least in my world, makes everything better. Chocolate is my “go to” when I need an instant mood pick me up. It is like an instant shot of happiness. Best yet, there are facts that this delicacy really does have that ability to improve one’s mood if not provide much more. Chocolate actually has many health benefits that include regulating heart circulation, reducing cholesterol, and even aiding in weight loss. It’s celebration in use in February is tied to its reputation for being an aphrodisiac.
Pot de crème is a French dessert custard dating to the 17th century.
The name means ‘pot of cream’ or ‘pot of custard’ which refers to the little ceramic dishes the dessert is served in. One only needs a small amount of this lavishly rich flavored treat that is made with eggs and/or egg yolks, cream, milk, and chocolate. It is fairly simple, yet your family and guests will think you slaved over it. I had the pleasure of enjoying my favorite treat over the holidays, when my mother made it for me on my last visit to Vermont. Here is her version that I have grown up with and continue to devour and make for my family.
Pot de crème au chocolat
Ingredients:
1 bar (4oz) Germans sweet chocolate
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup cream
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
Whipped cream
Mix chocolate, sugar, and cream in saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and mixture becomes smooth and blended. Remove from heat. Slowly pour into egg yolks, stirring constantly. Blend in vanilla. Pour into small individual dessert dishes or demi-tasse cups. Chill. Garnish with whipped cream.
4 servings.
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.
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