1/2 cup Cacao Nibs , coarsely chopped into smaller bits or ground in a whirly blade coffee grinder
3 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 3/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup plus 2 T. sugar
pinch of salt
Fresh blackberries or blackberry puree, well-sugared (optional)
Special Equipment: 6 ramekins, Instant-read thermometer
Bring the nibs and cream to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold milk in a small bowl and set aside to let the gelatin soften.
Strain the cream, pressing lightly on the nibs to extract all the liquid. Discard the nibs. Return the cream to the saucepan, add the sugar, and bring to a simmer. Pour into a heatproof bowl. Gradually stir in the milk, then the salt. Set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice cubes and water and stir frequently until the mixture thickens and registers 50 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
Divide evenly among the ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
Unmold onto dessert plates. Accompany with well-sugared berries or berry puree (optional)
Posted: 7/5/2009 9:43:10 PM