I’ve come to a cool realization lately… People actually read this blog! If you’re reading these lines, you’re probably thinking: ‘Well yeah, of course I read this blog!’. But things are not that obvious when you’re the one actually writing the lines. When I first started off, I needed a kick, something to keep me entertained and stimulated while I was at home on maternity leave. But I never thought I would actually get people to read me and appreciate the stuff (i.e. recipes) that I post. Lately, some of you have showed a true interest and a sincere appreciation for what I write and to you (you know who you are!), I say thank you. Thanks for reading me, for trying out my recipes, and for letting me know how things turn out. I looooove hearing from you!
So the other night I went a bit overboard with my wine drinking (hey, I’m aloud, I haven’t drank in 2 years!) and I promised a friend, whom I also realized was one of my fans (should I really qualify you or anyone else as being a fan?), that I would post a desert recipe for her. She’s a fine connoisseur of all deserts and a true lover of the sugar rush… So for her, I’m posting one of my most difficult recipes up to now. Deserts are never easy (I should know, I usually am terrible at making them) and this one should only be tried by those of you who either excel at desert making or who are truly patient and willing to take on a good cooking challenge. This one is perfect and Vero, if you nail this one, I promise you won’t be disappointed. On top of it, there’s no yogurt in the recipe! Enjoy.
Chocolate pot-de-crème with caramel whipped cream and salted almonds
Makes 6 servings - Level: CHEF
INGREDIENTS FOR CHOCOLATE ‘POT DE CRÈME’
½ cup milk
½ cup 35% cream
1 tbsp sugar
3 egg yolks
1 gelatin sheet, rehydrated
1 1/3 cup milk chocolate (40% cocoa)
PREPARATION
In a saucepan, bring to a boil the cream, milk and sugar.
In a bowl, slightly whisk the egg yolks. While whisking, gradually and very slowly pour the hot creamy liquid onto the egg yolks. Don’t go too fast or you will get an omelet instead of a creamy mixture!
Pour the egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, constantly whisking, until the cream becomes thick and creamy (it should stick to the back of a spoon). Take off the heat and add the gelatin. Blend well.
Add the chocolate (it should be in small pieces) to the hot mixture and blend until it’s completely melted.
Pour into separate serving bowls or glasses. Cover with cellophane and put in the fridge for a few hours.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE CARAMEL WHIPPED CREAM
1 ½ cups 35% cream
½ vanilla bean, split in half and grated
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp brown sugar
1 gelatin sheet, rehydrated
PREPARATION
In a small saucepan, bring the cream and the vanilla to a boil. Take off the heat and keep aside.
In another saucepan, put the brown sugar and cook over high heat, constantly blending with a wooden spoon. Once the sugar is completely melted and starts to boil, bring the heat to the lowest and gradually add in the hot cream mixture. Be careful, everything is extremely hot at this stage.
Once the cream is completely added in, cook for 1 more minute, making sure the caramel is completely melted. Take off the heat and add the gelatin.
Pour the hot mixture into a bowl that you’ve put over a bigger bowl filled with ice cubes. Let cool.
Once the mixture is completely cooled, pour over the chocolate mixture. Cover with cellophane and put in the fridge for another few hours.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALTED ALMONDS
1 egg white
1 cup whole almonds, skin off
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt (Maldon is the best!)
PREPARATION
Preheat your oven at 350˚F.
In a bowl, whisk the egg white so it becomes bubbly. Add the almonds and make sure they are completely covered with the egg white.
Put the almonds on a baking sheet covered with a silicone baker’s sheet or wax paper (making sure you don’t put any excess egg white), and sprinkle with the sugar and salt. Cook in the oven for about 8 minutes.
When ready to serve, take the cellophane off the serving bowls and decorate with the almonds. You can even sprinkle a little bit of cocoa powder on top.
