A Great Valentine Day's Treat

With Valentine's Day this Sunday, are you ready? Here's a great Valentine Day's recipe for French Chocolate Custard from The Thomas Kinkade Cookbook, A Journey of Culinary Memories.

This is a romantic, luxurious dessert that will please your loved one and make your day truly memorable.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 package (6 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips

3 eggs

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons brandy, orange-flavored liqueur or creme de menthe (optional)

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2.) In a medium pot over low heat, mix together half-and-half and chocolate chips, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.

3.) In a bowl, beat together eggs, 1/3 cup sugar and gradually stir into cooled chocolate mixture, stirring constantly. Pour into 6 custard cups or 6 ovenproof pot de creme cups.

4.) Place cups into a baking pan on oven rack. Create a water bath by pouring boiling water into the pan to within 1/2 inch of the top of cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove cups from water and cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

5.) In a bowl, beat together whipping cream and 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff; fold in brandy. To serve, top each custard with whipped cream.