Chocolate Lover's Creme Brulee

Directions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Have a pot of boiling water ready.

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In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes.

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Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted and blended. Cool slightly.

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In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of the sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick ribbons fall from the whisk, about 5 minutes.

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Slowly stir in the warm chocolate/cream mixture, then stir in the vanilla.

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Line a 3-inch deep baking pan with a kitchen towel and place four 6-ounce ramekins or dessert cups in the pan.

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Pour the chocolate mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Divide the chocolate mixture among the ramekins.

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Add the boiling water to fill the pan halfway up the sides of the ramekins and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

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Bake until the custards are just set around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

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Transfer the ramekins to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.

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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.

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Just before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over the surface of each custard.

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Using a kitchen torch, move the flame continuously in small circles over the surface until the sugar bubbles and just begins to turn golden, 20 to 30 seconds per custard.

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Garnish with a few raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint, if desired. Serve immediately.

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