Demitasse Carrot Custards

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place the carrots in a one-and-a-half-quart souffle dish. Cover dish tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent for six minutes, 30 seconds.

2. Step 2

   Uncover. Place the carrots in a blender. Add one egg and blend to a smooth puree. Add the remaining eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the blender after each addition. Pour into a clean bowl and stir in the cream, salt and cumin (you will have about two cups of custard).

3. Step 3

   Divide the mixture evenly among eight demitasse cups. Cover each tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Arrange in a ring, not touching, on the microwave carousel or a 12-inch round platter. Cook at 100 percent for two minutes, 30 seconds, or until just set.

4. Step 4

   Before removing the custards from the oven, pierce the plastic with the tip of a sharp knife so the plastic doesn't settle on the delicate custard surface.

5. Step 5

   Remove from oven. Uncover (unmold if desired) and serve with a dollop of parsley sauce and a leaf of fresh parsley.