Serving Size : 8
3 cups Heavy Cream
8 Egg Yolks
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, firmly packed
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
3 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate, melted
1/2 cup Almonds, sliced
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) Brown Sugar
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat cream until bubbles start to form around edges of pan. In a large saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cocoa. Slowly add hot cream to yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, 5 to 7 mins, or until mixture thickens. Temperature should be approximately 175 to 180F on a candy thermometer. Do not boil. Remove from heat and add bittersweet chocolate; stir to blend well.
Divide mixture evenly among 8 ovenproof 1/2-cup custard or souffle dishes. Sprinkle almonds over top, dividing evenly. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. One hour before serving, place all dishes in freezer.
Just before serving, preheat boiler. Sprinkle top of each creme brulee with 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Place dishes under broiler 5 to 6 inches from heat and broil 1-1/2 to 2 mins, just to caramelize sugar. Watch carefully since brown sugar burns easily. Serve immediately. Any leftover creme brulee can be kept in refrigerator and eaten with a day.
NOTE:
Any bittersweet chocolate creme brulee is heavenly. You must be certain to freeze for at least 1 hour before broiling to caramelize the brown sugar.