Chocolate Whiskey Pots de Creme
It hit me while on the plane back to Charleston last week. I was fidgetting with excitement at the thought of seeing B. again soon. I did have a blast in L.A and Seattle but it would have been nice to share that with him. All the moments. On the moment. I just couldn’t wait to get home and tell him all about the week. I still need to sift through my hundreds of pictures and thoughts.
The people I met, the friends I saw again. The exchange of information. Being part of a community. All these things are always better shared. He laughed with me and listen to my stories. Dozens of names he had never heard before. Patiently. He asked questions and encouraged me. And so, while sitting on the plane, about ready to take off, it hit me: Saint Patrick’s Day was just around the corner.
This household is half Irish after all. I had to do something to mark the occasion. Knowing us we will be debating the virtues of historical markers versus those of green foods, green shirts and green beer. Still, he never fails to help me keep up with my roots so I wanted to do the same for his. Minus the green. Plus whiskey instead.
Green is far from being my favorite color to start with and I also did not feel like messing with green coloring. There was plenty of that during the Seattle workshops, well done and beautifully mastered. I was worried of ending up with Shrek green instead of Irish green. (I did before, hence the reference).
I like to have an easy dessert ready to be served for the first meal after my parents get in town. Tonight it’s quiche and salad and these Chocolate Whiskey Pots de Creme served with some plain almond macarons to use up the egg whites left from the custard recipe. It’s pretty sums up perfected comfort this time of year when the days still have this distinct nip in air. A foot in between two seasons.
Pots de creme always make me think of a warm motherly embrace. Trust me. We’ve been hugging. And catching up. My parents got here last night and in the middle of my mom’s health problems, it is no small battle. But she’s a rockstar. She’s my rockstar. Even when she tells me half of everything (grrr…) She also tends to agree that a lot of problems are better solved around a good glass of Irish liquor. Whiskey is not my thing. Unless it is surrounded by chocolate. Oh yes…
As soon as I am done squeezing my mom silly, get done with work this week and go through my thoughts, I’ll post more about the workshops but you can start by reading Rachael’s recap of L.A here.
Chocolate Whiskey Pots de Creme:
Serves 6 to 8
6 large egg yolks
1/4 cup (60ml) honey
1/2 cup (125ml) whole milk
1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
6 oz (180gr) bittersweet chocolate
3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
Place 6 to 8 ramekins into a roasting pan and set aside. Preheat oven to 350F and position a rack in the center.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the honey for 2-3 minutes.
In the meantime, bring the milk and cream to a simmer in a large saucepan set over medium high heat. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate to the mixture. Slowly whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. (return over low heat if it needs a bit more heat to dissolve). Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the egg yolks and honey, whisking constantly until both mixtures come together. Add the whiskey and stir briefly.
Divide the chocolate batter evenly among the ramekins. Pour hot water into the roasting pan so that it reaches halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the cream appears just set. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before eating.
Pots de Creme Chocolat Whisky:
Pour 6 a 8 personnes
6 jaunes d’oeufs
60ml miel
125ml lait entier
250ml creme entiere liquide
180gr chocolat 60%
3 – 4 cs whisky
Prechauffer le four a 180F et mettre une plaque au milieu.
Dans un grand bol, battre les jaunes d’oeufs et le miel pendant 2-3 minutes.
Dans une casserole, faire chauffer le lait et creme jusqu’a ebullition. Retirer du feu et ajouter le chocolat et remuer jusqu’a ce que le chocolat soit fondu.
Verser l’appareil sur les jaunes d’oeufs. Ajouter le whisky et melanger.
Verser l’appareil dans 6 a 8 ramequins et les mettre dans une plat profond allant au four. Verser de l’eau chaude jusqu’a a la moitie de la hauteur des ramequins. Faire cuire 30 a 40 minutes.
Comments
Amy from She Wears Many Hats March 15, 2010 um 11:40 pm
Ooooh – this sounds like my kind of St. Patrick's Day for sure! Yum!
The purple is beautiful!
Nida Rasheed March 15, 2010 um 11:42 pm
What if I can't have whiskey? What substitute would you suggest?
Sallie March 15, 2010 um 11:42 pm
Helene, Such a beautiful post. It all looks so yummy! So sorry to hear about your mother's health issues, but I pray that she will soon be on the mend. Sallie
Helene March 15, 2010 um 11:43 pm
Nida: Hi, you can use any other alcohol of your choice or if that is the problem, leave it out completely and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract if you wish.
Jessica @ How Sweet March 15, 2010 um 11:44 pm
Sounds absolutely sinful! YUM!
Lauren March 15, 2010 um 11:44 pm
yum!!! I love chocolate and whiskey together. I make whisky brownies that everyone loves. The combo can't be beat!
Kate @ Savour Fare March 15, 2010 um 11:49 pm
Whiskey is ALWAYS a good idea, and these look fantastic. I'm glad you get to spend some good time with your mother.
Rachael March 15, 2010 um 11:53 pm
Pots de creme is one of my FAVORITE desserts–total indulgent comfort food! I love the sound of these, and love how you did something St. Patty's day sans green. 🙂 If you come back to L.A., how about we make a trade? I'll make you a Japanese meal, and you make pots de creme. Deal? And make sure you bring B.
m March 15, 2010 um 11:55 pm
It's so sweet you can share a moment like that with your mom. :]
Pastrychefgrl March 15, 2010 um 11:57 pm
Yum is the only word that comes to mind when I see these!! I cant wait to try them out!! Keep inspiring! ;o)
Sari @ Cook Your Dream March 16, 2010 um 12:03 am
Purple is gorgeous colours and goes so well with your macarons and pots de creme! I'm craving some chocolate after reading this. Can't wait to read more about your workshop.
Chris March 16, 2010 um 12:15 am
Yum! You and B are so cute…I can just see you guys, with Bailey and Tippy close at bay.
I am so happy you're able to spend time with your mom…and wish I would wave a magic wand!
Miss you!
♥peachkins♥ March 16, 2010 um 12:15 am
This looks super yummy! I love those purple bowls and spoon.
Unknown March 16, 2010 um 12:33 am
i have to try this! =)
Fresh Local and Best March 16, 2010 um 12:34 am
Pots de creme is very comforting, and this looks like an excellent recipe to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's health issues. She sounds like a rock star. 🙂
Shannon Crissey March 16, 2010 um 12:40 am
maybe I'm outof the loop but where do you find such purple spoons? swooon.
also the dessert sounds divine…too bad all I have is irish cream!
Anh March 16, 2010 um 12:40 am
A big hug for your mom, Helen! All the best wishes to her and your family.
And I love your pots de creme!
Jane Flanagan March 16, 2010 um 12:42 am
I love this approach to St Patrick's Day! A gentle nod goes a lot farther than all that exhausting, phony paddywhackery!
Dewi March 16, 2010 um 1:20 am
Hi Helen,
I really want to make this, because they look so scrumptious, and I have a question too. I have exactly the same bowl as yours here (different color), can I bake using this bowls? Thank you.
~elra~
toontz March 16, 2010 um 1:35 am
Oh. My. Whiskey and chocolate, what could be better?
And Irish blessings to you, your mom and B.
bunkycooks March 16, 2010 um 1:35 am
Your beautiful post and pictures caught my eye, as always. I then clicked to see what "problems" your mom was experiencing. My husband has had 2 bouts of colon cancer and is still waiting to hear about something that showed up several months ago. I completely understand your anxiety and desire to be with your mom (and give big hugs!). I spend every day with my hubby, cook and write my blog. Life is precious, so enjoy your mom and that fabulous dessert!
Helene March 16, 2010 um 1:47 am
Elra: I am not sure I completely understand your question: I did bake mine in the little bowls.
Shannon: I found these at a shop in L.A (can't remember the name now).
MrsJenB March 16, 2010 um 2:05 am
Thank you so much for this recipe. My husband and I had this around a year ago at a restaurant and ever since he brings it up now and again with this glazed look in his eyes! So now I can make this for him – he'll be thrilled!
marla {family fresh cooking} March 16, 2010 um 3:27 am
I love that you went with purple instead of green. I bet these pots de creme are absolutely fantastic!! Lively and happy post. I hope you have a splendid time with your parents. Enjoy giving them loads of hugs 🙂
Anonymous March 16, 2010 um 3:34 am
safe to say i will adore these. i love any type of pot de creme, and favorite chocolate cake is whiskey-laced. looks wonderful!
Robyn March 16, 2010 um 3:41 am
Oh my! These sound delicious. Isn't wonderful to bake with mom and please the husband at the same time. I must give these a try.
Anonymous March 16, 2010 um 4:12 am
whiskey? mmm! this is genius.
and topped with the pretty macaron shell, perfect!
Kate at Serendipity March 16, 2010 um 7:12 am
Doesn't this sound like just the thing for St. Pat's day? I love the purple bowls. We're both Irish, and we get a little tired of the green as well. But never, never tired of Ireland!
Thanks for this recipe and the gorgeous photos.
Mercè March 16, 2010 um 7:15 am
Helen, whiskey and chocolate, what a delicious combination!! I like your twist for St Patrick's! 🙂
Hope you have a good time with your parents! Specially with your mom. I hope she's getting better.
MaryMoh March 16, 2010 um 8:39 am
Looks irrestible! Must try this. Beautiful photography. Thanks for sharing.
Anonymous March 16, 2010 um 9:30 am
Ooh wow these are brilliant! Like a sweet and chocolatey loving embrace indeed!!
Tell your Mum to keep on battling!!
Simo March 16, 2010 um 9:37 am
Che delizia…le tue foto poi sono dei capolavori, complimenti!
Mallory Elise March 16, 2010 um 12:11 pm
yeah yeah whiskey that's nice; what did you think of seattle? tired of making macarons? hehe. not that i could have come (i'm cheep and poor) but i would have stood outside the window with a sign acting like you're Meredith and Matt. But alas, Seattle not for a few years.
I'm doing desserts for a small wedding….only about 30 guests. but the problem is i have…..absolutely no equipment or cooking supplies (actually i do have my pastry bags) but it is very hot here (and the oven has no temperature gauge…what?) and i'm worried about making chocolate truffles and yadda and fondant petit fours, and though i love them, macarons have become way too "everywhere" over the past year. but, i'm absolutely certain NO ONE here has ever had or even seen one of them. but i was worried about the air, but then you live in the south…ah well, i guess i'll try. OH i knew what i was going to ask you; how would i make really really light, almost white shells? i wish there was such a thing as white food coloring 😛
Helene March 16, 2010 um 1:41 pm
Mallory Elise: there is powdered white food coloring (check on sugarcraft.com) but you can just bake them at low heat and take them out right when they are about to get some color, let the oven cool off and stick them back in there to dry when the bulk of the heat is gone.
Cool Chic Style Fashion March 16, 2010 um 1:41 pm
Una scelta di gusto in tutto le cose…sempre bellissima
ciao e grazie
Jolette March 16, 2010 um 2:06 pm
Love those purple ramekins and spoons! The Pots look divine, and the macaroons are a perfect garnish (even if they're "too 'everywhere'" these days, as Mallory says!). 🙂
Cookin' Canuck March 16, 2010 um 3:30 pm
Now THIS is the way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! I'll take whiskey-spiked desserts over green food coloring any day.
You and your mum are in my thoughts.
Sandra Le Petrin March 16, 2010 um 5:00 pm
1st: your photos are more and more gorgeous, the styling and the choice of colours are always perfect. I once tried a whiskey & chocolate cake and I liked the combination very much so I'm guessing your pots de crème would be perfect for me!
And 2d, i haven't been on the blogosphere very much and before today I didn't know about you mum's health problems. Just want to send her all my good thoughts and a big big hug to her and to you 🙂
Anonymous March 16, 2010 um 8:19 pm
Oh I just love this! I've never made macarons before and this seems like a good time to try them. But I don't see a recipe for your plain almond ones. I know this is a very basic question, but can you point me in the right direction for this recipe?
Thank you so much for sharing! Your photography is just stunning and I am so excited to try your recipes!
Helene March 16, 2010 um 8:29 pm
Wendy: check on the sidebar under "Macaron Tutorial". The recipe is in the pdf document.
Rambling Tart March 16, 2010 um 8:54 pm
I love your cheery, purple dishes. 🙂 I've never seen a recipe for pots de creme with honey! I'm excited to try this…maybe when MY parents come to visit next week. 🙂
Anonymous March 16, 2010 um 11:10 pm
Found it! Thank You!
Abby March 17, 2010 um 12:10 am
I'm so glad to hear you're spending lots of quality time with your mama! I know she loves seeing your sweet face, too. 😉
I LOVE the purple. Such a great color for photos! And seriously – can I come see you and get a macaron lesson?!
Alyssa March 17, 2010 um 2:23 am
Who couldn't love coming to visit when there is chocolate waiting?
Memória March 17, 2010 um 7:11 am
I was going to ask about taking out the alcohol, too, but I see you answered that question already. This dessert looks fabulous. I love your choice of purple bowls. It is my favorite color! 🙂
Anonymous March 17, 2010 um 2:00 pm
It looks very nice!!!
Sunshine March 17, 2010 um 3:41 pm
Sounds like my kind of dessert. And those bowls are the most amazing shade of purple! Where in the world did you find them?
jenny March 17, 2010 um 3:58 pm
Made these last night with a good Rye Whiskey (we only had cheap irish whiskey)- they were so tasty! The whiskey and chocolate were perfectly balanced. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Maria March 17, 2010 um 5:20 pm
Sending my best to you, your mom, and family! Hugs!!
Fabulous dessert and photos!
Karyl March 18, 2010 um 12:02 am
We had these for our St. Pat's dinner and they were delicious! Thanks for the new recipe. It's nice to have a great chocolate alternative to our panna cotta standby.
Ketchup March 18, 2010 um 12:15 am
Beautiful setup – everything looks delicious!
Angelynn March 18, 2010 um 2:13 am
I really love the purple bowls and spoons. Where did you get them?
Helene March 18, 2010 um 2:56 pm
Sunshine: my mom gave them to me – I have seen similar ones at Anthropologie. I think they are from the same manufacturer in Portugal.
Angelyn: read above. I got the spoons while in L.A a couple of weeks ago but I can't remember the name of the place. It was a combo French bistro/store. Really great stuff in there.
Sandra: thank you sweetie! I know you are busy too. Warm thoughts kindly accepted.
Nicole, RD March 18, 2010 um 3:00 pm
Beautiful photos! Looks delicious!!!
Lindsey @ pickyeatings March 18, 2010 um 3:10 pm
Chocolate whiskey pots de creme? Yes please! These look delicious and now I want to make them.
Valérie I♥Cakes March 18, 2010 um 5:29 pm
Je viens justement de publier une recette de petits pots de crème choco-tonka ! Les tiens sont bien tentants avec la touche de whisky ! Et je souhaite que ta maman aille mieux…
Eléonora March 18, 2010 um 9:09 pm
Je vais le traduire en français..en tous cas, cela à l'air très bon déjà comme ça en photos…Bon week-end !
Heather Davis March 18, 2010 um 10:47 pm
Wow I seriously "heart" those purple bowls!
Lovely pudding.
Wherever you go it's great to come home!
Franklin March 19, 2010 um 3:13 am
Anything with chocolate and whiskey has to be good!
oneordinaryday March 20, 2010 um 12:43 am
Gorgeous, as always!
Anonymous March 20, 2010 um 6:34 am
Bon rétablissement and all the best to your mom and the whole family! Best wishes from Germany,
Agnes
the southern hostess March 20, 2010 um 4:57 pm
Yum! What a genius idea.
Y March 20, 2010 um 10:17 pm
Love the purple pots, Helen. All the best to your mom! xx
Paula March 22, 2010 um 8:29 pm
oh, I`ll do this, cause I love pots de creme in variety ways!
Coco March 23, 2010 um 6:45 pm
Oh Helene, how funny, we did indeed have pots de créme on the brain 🙂 Yours are simply stunning and I just love your purple bowls, such a great alternative to white ramekins!
frabala March 23, 2010 um 9:43 pm
This goooooooooood!
B & D March 24, 2010 um 3:34 pm
wow!! the recipe is so yummylicious!!if only i could get the Irish whiskey 😀
B & D March 24, 2010 um 3:34 pm
wow!! the recipe is so yummylicious!!if only i could get the Irish whiskey 😀
B & D March 24, 2010 um 3:34 pm
wow!! the recipe is so yummylicious!!if only i could get the Irish whiskey 😀
B & D March 24, 2010 um 3:34 pm
wow!! the recipe is so yummylicious!!if only i could get the Irish whiskey 😀
MELINDA March 27, 2010 um 1:38 am
Oh, I love the colors..How fun and different..I'd love it
gingermitten March 28, 2010 um 2:08 pm
Tarts Tarts Tarts!
Are you trying to ruin meeee? If only I'd clicked some other link today… I wouldn't gain the extra 10lbs I'll be sporting in no time at all :/
Ah well, Miss Tartelette… I shouldn't blame you. I am weak. Your heavenly delicacies I must try! My first endeavor will be plundering your archives for a recipe of my favourite tart, lip-smacking lemon!!
I hope this finds you & your mother well. And by the way, as a photographer I think your images are wonderful. It's obvious you take care to choose the right props, and composition which do your edible art much justice.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Unknown March 29, 2010 um 1:58 am
I have made these delicious pots de crème for my boyfriend's birthday last Friday. They were absolutely delicious! I am lactose intolerant so I used soy cream and lactose-free milk and the recipe turned out great. I used a wonderful 18-year-old Macallan from our collection we brought back from Scotland, put 3 tablespoons in, the flavor was subtle but there. Couldn't have been better!
Binyamina April 11, 2010 um 3:58 am
I love your site and your pictures are beautiful but…
where is the love for your vegan readers?
hopefully we will see some recipes that we can all enjoy.
thanks,
binya
Helene April 11, 2010 um 5:31 am
Binyamina: I fear that you will have to pick which recipe looks good to you and convert it to be vegan. This site is a reflection of who I am as a person and that reflects what I do on a daily basis which is far removed from veganism.
There are many ways to adapt my recipes to suit ones choices and preferences (substitute dairy for dairy free, milk chocolate for dark, etc…) and there are entire sites devoted to the content that you are seeking which makes this blogging world that much more interesting to me. I do not pretend nor wish to appeal to all cooking, cuisine, lifestyle as this is not and never pretended to be the direction of this site.
I do read and appreciate all comments but I believe that there are bloggers far better suited to answer such specific and targeted audiences.
I hope you will find much to enjoy in the stories and pictures presented here and hope that you will feel confident to try to adapt them to suit your needs and preferences.
7tourvercors June 21, 2010 um 3:59 am
je découvre tout juste ce blog … Et je crois que, bien qu'il soit lundi, 5h58 du matin, c'est LA découverte de la semaine !
Enregistré sur google reader après avoir exhumé les articles !
Merci,
E.
Cindy dh February 23, 2015 um 7:17 am
Do you think adding cinnamon to this would be good? The recipe sounds like it could be a tasty addition to it. especially if you ae using the vanilla in place of the whiskey. Has anyone tried it?
Elaine Andrusia February 24, 2015 um 4:37 pm
My son's birthday is St. Patrick's Day. When he was small I use to tell that all the parades on TV were for him celebrating his birthday. Finally he realized what it was, St. Patrick's Day. He is now 40 soon to be 41, So this a must for his birthday!!