baked chocolate custard

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup light cream
• 100g milk chocolate, chopped
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• Cocoa powder, to decorate

Method

1. Place milk, cream and chocolate in a small saucepan. Stir over a medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until chocolate is melted. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat.

2. Place eggs and caster sugar in a large, heatproof bowl. Whisk until combined.

3. Whisking constantly, gradually add hot milk mixture to egg mixture. Divide custard among six ovenproof dishes (2/3-cup capacity). Place ovenproof dishes in a large baking dish.

4. Pour enough boiling water into baking dish to come halfway up sides of ovenproof dishes.

5. Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for about 25 minutes, or until just set. Stand for around 10 minutes before serving.

6. Serve baked custards dusted with sifted cocoa powder.

Notes

These custards can be served warm or cold, and can be made up to two days ahead - just keep them, covered, in the fridge. If serving them cold, decorate with whipped cream and chocolate curls.