Chocolate Pistachio Pots de Crème

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread the pistachios on a baking sheet and toast 5 minutes. Let the pistachios cool, then transfer to a food processor, with the confectioners’ sugar and salt. Process until it has the consistency of damp sand, about 5 minutes.

2. Step 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream and .75 cup of the pistachio mixture (reserve the rest for garnish). Simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat, cover and let stand 20 minutes. Return the pot to the heat and return to a simmer.

3. Step 3

   Place the chocolate in a large bowl. Strain the pistachio cream through a fine-mesh sieve over the chocolate; press down on the pistachio solids with a rubber spatula to extract as much flavor as possible. Whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.

4. Step 4

   In a large bowl, whisk together the yolks, granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisking constantly, pour in the hot chocolate mixture until combined. Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce ramekins. Transfer ramekins to a baking dish that fits them snugly. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover with foil and prick foil with a fork. Bake until the pots de crème are set but jiggle slightly when nudged, 35 to 45 minutes.

5. Step 5

   Cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm. Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of the reserved pistachios.