Fill the water reservoir and assemble the steamer. Heat the cream and milk in a small saucepan until bubbly around the edges. Hold over low heat to keep warm.
Insert the metal blade in the Cuisinart® Food Processor. Pulse the light brown sugar 10 – 15 times to rapid sift and break up any chunks. Remove and reserve for topping. Process the chocolate with the instant espresso until finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Remove and reserve.
Process the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow in appearance, about
Add the chopped chocolate mixture and process just to combine.
With the machine running, carefully add the hot cream mixture through the small feed tube. Process until the chocolate is totally melted, about 30 seconds.
Add the vanilla; process to combine, about 10 seconds.
Strain the custard base through a fine mesh strainer. Scoop off any foam and discard. Divide evenly among six
Cover each one with plastic wrap, and arrange the ramekins in the steamer. Place 3 ramekins in the Rice Bowl and 3 in the Second Steamer tray. Steam for 25 minutes. Turn off the steamer; let sit 10 minutes. Remove the fan arm and lid; use tongs to transfer the custards to a rack. They will still be jiggly in the center. Wipe off excess moisture and carefully remove plastic wrap. Use a damp towel to wipe off any sticky residue. Allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill, or up to 2 days.
Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar over the very cold custards, and place under a preheated broiler to melt the sugar. The sugar will then harden. Alternatively, the sugar may be melted with a small propane torch. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Analysis per serving:
Calories 354.(62% from fat) • carbo.29g •
protein 5g • fat 24g • sat. fat 11g • chol. 202mg •
sodium 43mg • fiber 0g
CRANBERRY POACHED PEARS
Delicious served with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Makes 6 servings
Preparation: 15 – 20 minutes, + 25 minutes steaming time and 10 minutes for reduction.
6ripe but firm pears
Juice of one lemon
3/4 cup (175 mL) dried cranberries 1-1/4 cups (300 mL) cranberry juice
2teaspoons (10 mL) vanilla extract
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Fill the water reservoir and assemble the steamer.
Peel the pears. Rub with lemon juice. Leave the pears whole, but core them. Stuff the hollow with dried cranberries. Arrange in the rice basket.
Add the cranberry juice, any remaining dried cranberries and vanilla.
Steam for 20 – 25 minutes until tender but still firm. Turn off the steamer and unplug; let cool 1 minute. Lift out carefully and allow the pears to cool in the poaching liquid. Chill if not serving immediately.
Just before serving, reduce the poaching liquid in a Cuisinart®
Nutritional analysis per serving:
Calories 214(4% from fat) • carbo. 54g •
protein 1g • fat 1g • sat. fat 0g • chol. 0mg • sodium
5mg • fiber 6g
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