Pots de Creme

On Valentine's Day (or any special occasion), preparing a special meal at home makes can make for a much more romantic evening than going to a restaurant on one of the busiest nights of the year. Instead, make your sweetheart his or her favorite meal and then finish it off with a dessert that is extra special... Pots de Creme!

The name is French for "pots of cream," but it is more like a chocolate mousse. A wine glass (tea cup or any fancy little bowl) filled with this and a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top is the sweetest way to say I love you at the end of a home-cooked dinner.

This recipe comes from my grandma and is one of our family favorites.

1 cup chocolate bits
2 T. sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
3/4 cup milk (2 percent or whole)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 T. confectioners sugar

Heat milk over medium heat just until boiling. While it's heating, place all other ingredients into a blender. Pour milk over ingredients in blender, cover and blend for one minute. Pour immediately into 4 serving dishes. Chill to set (around 2-3 hours). Chill the bowl you're going to whip your cream in. Just before serving, use an hand-held electric beater to whip cream with confectioners sugar until it reaches desired firmness. Be careful not to whip it into butter. Serve pots de creme topped with whipped cream, and maybe a strawberry or raspberry to add some festive color.