Chocolate Orange Pots de Creme with Candied Kumquats

For some time now I've been tempted to make Pots de Creme. I've also never cooked with kumquats. So, today was the day! Below is the recipe for Chocolate Orange Pots de Creme with Candied Kumquats. Enjoy!

Chocolate Orange Pots de Creme

with Candied Kumquats

Candied Kumquats

• 1 cup kumquats halved

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

Pots de Creme

• 170g bittersweet chocolate finely chopped

• 1 1/3 cups cream

• 2/3 cup milk

• 2 tbsp orange essence

• 2 pinches of salt

• 6 large egg yolks

• 2 tbsp sugar

Method

Candied kumquats - Bring a large pot of water to boil. Drop kumquats into boiling water for 3 mins. Drain and repeat process 2 more times. This removes the bitterness from the kumquats. Combine sugar and water in a small pot and heat over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Add kumquats to pot and let simmer for 15 mins. Allow to cool and store in a jar.

Pots de Creme - Preheat oven to 175˚C. Put chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Combine cream, milk, orange essence and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Take off the heat as soon as it starts to boil and pour over chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Add warm chocolate mixture to egg mixture slowly while whisking constantly until all combined. Pour custard through a fine mesh sieve into a glass measure and allow to cool completely. Divide custard among 4-6 ramekins and place in a roasting pan. Pour hot water into a roasting pan so it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-40 mins or until the cream appears just set. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with kumquats.