Chocolate Creme Brulee

This made my hubby stand in the kitchen and announce he was the luckiest hubby in the world....I like to make him smile.  The photo is pre-caramelizing.

  2 Cups Half & Half                                                               1/3 Cup Sugar

  3 Inch Cinnamon Stick                                                           1 Tsp Vanilla

  4 Ounce Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped                                1/8 Tsp Salt

  5 Large Egg Yolks, Lightly Beaten                                          2 Tbl Sugar

                                                                                                 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a heavy small saucepan, heat half-and-half and cinnamon stick over medium heat just until bubbly. Remove from heat; remove cinnamon stick. Add chocolate to cream. Let stand 5 minutes; whisk until smooth and set  aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, the vanilla and salt. Whisk until combined. Slowly whisk the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.  Place six 5- to 6-ounce ungreased casseroles, souffle dishes, or 6-ounce custard cups in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or pan. Divide custard mixture mixture evenly among the souffle dishes. Place baking dish on oven rack. Pour enough boiling water into the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the casseroles.  Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the centers comes out clean. Carefully remove casseroles from water; cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.  Sprinkle sugar evenly atop custards and caramelize sugar with a culinary torch or broil* 4 to 5 inches from heat for 1 to 2 minutes until sugar is melted and lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Per Serving: 338 Cal (62% from Fat, 11% from Protein, 27% from Carb); 10 g Protein; 25 g Tot Fat; 14 g Sat Fat; 8 g Mono Fat;  25 g Carb; 3 g Fiber; 16 g Sugar; 127 mg Calcium; 4 mg Iron; 165 mg Sodium