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Chocolate Crémeux

French desserts have a way of elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and this Chocolate Crémeux is no exception. A smooth, velvety blend of chocolate and cream, it’s the perfect dessert for those who crave indulgence. This recipe brings a touch of elegance to your table, with a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients
  

  • - 6 oz 170g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • - 1 cup heavy cream
  • - 1/2 cup whole milk
  • - 3 large egg yolks
  • - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Equipment

  • - Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • - Heatproof mixing bowl
  • - Fine-mesh sieve
  • - Plastic wrap
  • - Serving dishes or ramekins

Method
 

  1. **Prepare the chocolate**
  2. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl and set aside.
  3. **Heat the cream and milk**
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, but do not let it boil.
  5. **Whisk the yolks and sugar**
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until smooth and pale.
  7. **Temper the egg mixture**
  8. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Slowly add the rest of the cream mixture while continuing to whisk.
  9. **Cook the custard**
  10. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170–175°F or 75–80°C). Do not let it boil.
  11. **Strain and mix with chocolate**
  12. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  13. **Chill the crémeux**
  14. Cover the surface of the chocolate crémeux with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
  15. **Serve**
  16. Spoon the crémeux into serving dishes or ramekins. Garnish with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate shavings if desired.