This salacious recipe was sent to Seduction Meals by John of Amherst, MA. Get ready for an overwhelming sensation of pure pleasure. "Chocolat Pot de Creme is pure seduction. It's best eaten warm when it is silky and flows over your tongue--the deep taste of chocolate taken in your mouth in the form of soft, silky waves. The seduction is so deep you must take it slowly. Pot de Creme are closest to heavenly when eaten warm and served with a dollop of whip cream"


chocolat pot de creme
makes 6 to 8 Pot de Creme cups...you know you'll want more than one!

2 cups light cream

1/8 cup sugar

4 oz. semi sweet chocolate

6 yolks

1/4 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

These are best made in proper Pot de Creme containers with lids. If other types of ramekins are used they must be covered tightly with tin foil. The surface of the custard must never be exposed throughout the bake.

Directions

• Place 6 yolks in bowl
• Place 1 1/2 cups light cream, pinch of salt and sugar in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
• Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a second heavy bottom pan place chocolate and 1/2 cup cream over low heat. Warm just to melt chocolate until the mixture is smooth. Add vanilla. Note: Avoid excessive heat. Do not cook chocolate. If you prefer, you can melt chocolate in a ban marie instead.
• Slowly add cream/sugar mixture to chocolate, lightly stir to maintain a even texture.
• Whisk a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks. Add the yolk mixture back into the chocolate and stir over low heat until slightly thicker. Stir constantly.
• Strain chocolate mixture using a medium mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup with a lip. Carefully pour into Pot de Creme containers (with lids) or foil covered ramekins. fill about 3/4 of the  way full, making sure chocolate is not touching the surface of the lid or aluminum foil when covered.
  

• Bake in a water bath at 300 degrees until the custard is still very "jiggly" on top. Plus/Minus 30 minutes. It's VERY important to remove the custard from the oven when the surface is still quite loose.
• Cooking time varies with size of containers and individual ovens. Do not over cook. It will continue to cook after removed from oven as well as set as they cool.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top

When baking you need to keep checking the consistency of the custard by removing the lids with tongs and tapping the side of the containers. The Pots de Creme is done when it has a loose jiggle. The whole idea with this dessert is to have it be really silky. You want it to be just thick enough to sit on a the spoon when you are eating it. The longer you bake it the harder the final product will be. the aim is a chocolat pot de creme that is silky, smooth and melts on your tongue. MMmmm!

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Bored of enjoying your chocolate in a simple cookie, cake or confection? Let's get creative...make your own chocolate body paint (sweet or spicy to match your mood). Choose your canvas, lift your brush, and paint away.

For inspiration check out Hotel Chocolat, a British owned luxury chocolate manufacturer. The site offers a wide range of premium quality chocolates perfect for gifts or pure self indulgence. Here you will find gourmet cooking products, specialty chocolate gifts, and recipes. I couldn't resist sharing the recipe for chocolate body paint when I read...  "A luscious, chocolaty concoction that will bring out your inner Picasso - what you choose to paint is entirely up to you..."  

Chocolate Body Paint
Ingredients
3.5oz Classic Liquid Chocolat
2oz Unsalted butter
2tbsp Water

Microwave
Mix all of the ingredients together in a microwaveable bowl, heat on full power for 1 minute. Stir and blast for another 30 seconds or until fully melted.

Stove Top
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Gently heat the bowl over a pan of boiling water (double-boiler), stirring occasionally until the chocolate has fully melted.

Leave to cool. Collect your painting utensils and subject - then paint onto a suitable canvas. Add a bottle of champagne, so you can sip little delicate bubbles as you review your canvas and contemplate your next stroke. Picasso never had it so good. Well...OK, I take that back.

Have a canvas, but no time to cook?

You can buy a Chocolate Dipping Adventure.  With the crunch of toasted crostini, the succulence of cherries, the yielding softness of marshmallow... all laden with soft, melting chocolate. Simply heat the chocolate and throw yourself into a seriously satisfying chocolate adventure.

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This Valentine's day enchant your lover with exotic gifts of chocolate. A luscious gift and alluring aphrodisiac, you can send a box of chocolates with a romantic invitation for a fiery HOT Seduction Meal at your place, or if you prefer, you can save this gift to share for your seduction dessert. Just be sure to order in time for delivery on the Valentine's Day.



Oliver Kita's line of artisan fine chocolates are sure to please leaving the recipient of this gift begging for more. For the love of your life, Oliver has created a spectacular Valentine's gift with this 4 Tiered box filled with exotic chocolates such as Fig and Pistachio, Tibetan Tiger Heart, Loveletter Hearts, Vermillion Fruit Heart, and Japanese Berry Truffle. Gotta Have It! $110

Romanicos truly understands the art of presentation with beautifully handcrafted exotic chocolate and stunning designs. I have included a few of the many wonderful boxed chocolates from this master artisan such as the Aphrodite Collection: The goddess of love, Aphrodite, now comes in the shape of luscious, sensual chocolates. This collection has been designed to inspire passion, spark desire, and provoke an ecstasy of pleasure in those who taste it. There are delicious truffles collections inside beautifully packaged presentations, and the unique 1-lb. Art Bar, with chocolate at the bottom and white chocolate on the top; decorated with dried cranberries, pistachios, sesame seeds and dark chocolate is like none other. Each bar is a unique work of art, made one by one. A perfect gift on any occasion.  Gotta Have It!

Jaques Torres: Why not surprise your lover with champagne and chocolate - together in one sweet little package, or grab your Valentine and pucker up but not before handing him/her Jacques's custom-designed heart-shaped box filled with 35 of his favorite assorted bon-bons. And we love the "kisses" chocolates. Gotta Have It!

Vosges Haute Chocolat  is a treasure chest of pure pleasure. Check out their web site for all your options. There are luxurious collections of chocolate packaged in a purple gift box filled with dark, milk and white chocolate truffles infused with exotic and traditional spices, herbs and flowers from around the world. You can select chocolate gifts paired with a bottle of Krug Champagne Brut Grand Cuvee or Joseph Perrier Brut Rose. Try Vosges' exotic truffle collection. And to spice things up--the Aztec Collection comes with a bottle of Clos de Los Siete, Argentina, 2005 a flashy, violet red wine that pairs well with this South American inspired Aztec Collection of chocolates. And I have to mention their Groove Collection: Chocolate paired with the perfect CD. 
Gotta Have it! $91 - $325

Chocolate Modern will unlock the Mysteries of Love and other enticements for Valentine's Day. "Mysteries of Love" are passionately painted hearts filled with their darkest ganache and most luscious caramels: The Lover (passion fruit caramel), Madame 'X'tasy (salted Illy espresso caramel),  and Caramel Caresse (pear caramel) Amarena Mon Amor are discrete object of desire: Chocolate covered cherries taken to new heights-- Big, tart, juicy Italian Amarena cherries finished with a sophisticated vodka-infused syrup. Irresistible... addictive... a far cry from merely cordial!   Gotta Have It! $32 - $60

Martine's Chocolates has created a beautiful heart made of Marzipan roses--a unique gift indeed. Martine's chocolates are upscale confections handmade fresh daily, right in front of customers, by Martine's own chefs chocolatiers, at Martine's Chocolates shops in Manhattan. This gift must be ordered 3 weeks in advance so do it right away! Gotta Have It!

Knipschildt Chocolates. What do your presents say about you? Especially when you send the most expensive chocolate in the world - a $250 truffle. Each hand-crafted Knipschildt chocolate is an artistic handmade jewel; and to prove the point, there is Knipschildt's La Madeline au Truffle which was recognized by Forbes Magazine as the most expensive chocolate in the world.  La Madeline au Truffle starts with a decadent 70% Valrhona dark chocolate, heavy cream, sugar, truffle oil and vanilla as the base for the rich decadent ganache. A rare French Perigord truffle (a rare mushroom) is then surrounded by this rich decadent ganache; it is enrobed in Valrhona dark chocolate and then rolled in fine cocoa powder. The result is pure extravagance! Lying on a bed of sugar pearls in a silver box tied with a ribbon.This product is made to order and ships within 14 days of order date.
Gotta Have it! $250

NEWTREE Belgian chocolate is about having FUN and eating it too. With playful names and a medley of flavors to tempt any mood, this gift is sure to put a smile on your lover's face. Be sure to try SEXY: SEXY is chocolate in stilettos. Spice up your day with dark chocolate, warmed by the taste of ginger. Naturally stimulating guarana extract adds an extra perk for a seductive treat, or BLUSH: Dark chocolate kissed by sumptuous cherries, a taste so sinful it will make you BLUSH. I wish they bundled their bars for the ultimate lover's package made up of Vigor, Sexy, Blush, Renew, Forgiveness, and Crave. Gotta Have It! Just under $5 a bar, mix and match your prefect blend. 

Red Envelope, one of my favorite online places for gifts has a few special treats:

Romantic fortune cookies: Confucius meets Cupid. These crispy fortune cookies are cloaked in luscious chocolate, but the real treat awaits inside. You get 1 dozen cookies, each scripted for romance: "You are difficult for others to resist," "Naughtiness is a virtue" and "Distance and time may test your heart, but true love will always find you." Gotta Have It! $30

Theo aphrodisiac chocolates:  Arouse the senses. This limited edition Aphrodisiac Collection features chocolates combined with herbs and spices known for their aphrodisiac qualities. These small masterpieces will give way to the heat of your mouth and linger on your tongue. From sensual rose and aromatic lavender to spicy jalapeño and Ceylon cinnamon, these unique flavor combinations are designed to warm every heart.
Gotta Have It! $42

Bloomsberry Chocolate Bars: Deliciously saucy, these sweet sets give chocolate lovers some spicy food for thought with clever messages for both the single set (pick up bar, oral pleasures, eat me, and instant gratification) and those who have engaged in matrimony( "things are more exciting in the dark," "marital bliss," "lusty" and "dark secrets"  Gotta Have It! $25

Heart Shaped Fondue Set from Amazon.com: An extra sweet way to enjoy Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays and more! This adorable fondue set is the perfect way to create a romantic yet delicious after-dinner treat. This set includes: Red Heart-Shaped Pot Black metal Stand Tea Candle Holder 2 Dipping Forks with heart-shaped handles.  Gotta Have It! $22

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Holiday Gift Idea: Some gifts are meant to be remembered. With names like Madame "X"tasy, Karma Sutra, Hazelnut Hysterie,  Sesame Samba, The Player, and Havana Heat--you know you are in for something extraordinary. For the discerning gourmand I share with you the exotic elixirs of Chocolat Moderne. Below are a few examples of truly seductive Holiday gifts with a choice of aromas spanning the Mediterranean and Orient. You and your loved one will be whisked away in bold, daring directions of delight.

Amarena Mon Amour (Gotta Have It!)
Discrete object of desire, Chocolate covered cherries are taken to new heights. Big, tart, juicy Italian Amarena cherries finished with a sophisticated vodka-infused syrup. Irresistible... addictive... a far cry from merely cordial! A sexy red crocodile box opens to reveal 27 bonbons presented as ruby and gold hand-painted dark chocolate gemstones tucked into cascading gold tiers ($64.00). Also available in a four tier box - with 36 bonbons. ($84.00)


The Kimono Collection (Gotta Have It!)
An elegant theme inspired by Japan, THE KIMONO COLLECTION chocolates are beautifully designed. Cherry blossoms grace vintage kimono patterns and are echoed in the form of chocolate shapes. Rounding out the artistry of this sophisticated collection is the 19th century woodblock print (ukiyo-e) of two ladies in kimono by the Master Eishi Hosoda ("Chobunsai"). The six flavors in the collection include three made with traditional Japanese ingredients: Shiso (Japanese mint), tamari soy and sesame, and three of our own favorites: strawberry, apricot and pecan which believe it or not are really popular in Japan as well!


Ganaches:    
Shiso Soft: dark ganache with Japanese mint and lime
Strawberry Float: white ganache with strawberry

Caramels:    
Soy Salt: caramel salted with tamari soy sauce
Apricote Bask: caramel with apricots and armagnac

Pralines:   
Sesame Samba: crunchy sesame praline
Pampered Pecan: maple pecan praline

And my all time favorites...the "Bistro Bar" (Gotta Have It!)
The bars are covered in fine dark chocolate and filled with truffle, caramel and praliné flavors from artisanal chocolate assortments. The square shape is unusually elegant. Deep sections provide ample repositories for our luscious fillings and are easy to separate for relishing one by one. Go for the "Bistro Bar Bundle"--stacked together and tied with a bow, five bistro bars make an excellent gift.

The Bistro Bar is available in the following flavors at $7.00 each:

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Holiday Gift Idea: This holiday season why not satisfy your chocolate loving amour with homemade chocolate dipped fruits such as strawberries, apples, figs, raspberries or pears. It is easy to prepare and a delicious gourmet treat that is sensual to eat and easy to gift wrap. Feeding someone a chocolate dipped strawberry is a great way to end your Seduction Meal before moving on the the real main course.

If you are pressed for time I have included links to wonderfully prepared and packaged gifts that can be served up for your next romantic rendezvous; or you can impress your loved one with a special delivery in time for the holidays.


Home Made Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
12 extra-large perfectly ripened strawberries, green caps attached, preferably with 1 inch stem
1 tablespoon of shortening
2 cups of dark or milk chocolate bars, coarsely chopped
(option) 1/8 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts (you can use peanuts, pecans or walnuts)

Line a cooking sheet with wax paper and set aside

Melting the Chocolate
In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate stirring until the chocolate smoothens out. Be sure the chocolate stays hot otherwise it may clump when you are dipping the fruit.

Dipping the Fruit
Holding the top of the strawberry, slowly dip 2/3's of the way into the melted chocolate. Quickly remove the fruit with a clockwise swirling motion to spin the dripping chocolate off, resulting in a smooth, even coating.  Invert your hand to point the strawberry towards the ceiling--this will allow the chocolate to settle and briefly air dry. (Option) Dip the tip of the strawberry in to the ground hazelnuts, gently rolling in a circular motion to cover the tip all around.

Place the strawberry, gently resting on one side to cool down/dry. Hand feed each other one strawberry at a time. If you are sending this as a gift, you can store strawberries in the refrigerator in an airtight container between layers of waxed paper. Try to find a box that has sections to place a strawberry in chamber.

Don't have time for home-made gifts, here are a few delicious gifts to satisfy any gourmet sweet tooth.

John and Kiras Chocolate Covered Figs ($47Gotta Have It!)
We love this combination! Noted for their extremely thin skins and sweet, almost candy-like taste, these Spanish figs are filled by hand with a silky dark 64% Valrhona ganache and enrobed in a thin layer of dark 54% chocolate. The Calabacita variety of fig is grown by a family owned company in "Los Llanillos" in the village of Almoharin located in the Extremadura region of Spain. The delights are paired with a 15-pc Every Flavor box of our Signature chocolates. To ensure freshness, please enjoy our chocolate figs within two weeks

Red Envelope: Chocolate Covered Strawberries ($55-$110 Gotta Have It!)
A dozen luscious berries are dipped in chocolate and delivered overnight to ensure freshness. Six white and six dark chocolate strawberries are drizzled with premium dark chocolate.

Red Envelope: Chocolate Covered Raspberries  ($25 Gotta Have It!)
An extra decadent take on the venerable traditions of chocolate fondue and chocolate-dipped strawberries--these raspberry truffles each contain a whole hand-picked, farm-fresh raspberry at their centers. Rich dark chocolate is poured around them and they are finished with a raspberry swirl on top. Twelve truffles arrive nestled into individual fluted paper cups and tucked into a box.

Red Envelope: Chocolate Covered Pear ($22: Gotta Have It!)
A more perfect pair of juicy fruit and rich confectionary would be difficult to find. This fresh bosc pear gets the full sweet-and-crunchy treatment--it's enrobed in caramel, coated with walnuts and drizzled in gourmet chocolate. Pure Seduction!

Red Envelope: Chocolate Caramel Apples ($25 Gotta Have It!)
These caramel apples are innovative and decadent versions of the traditional harvest favorite. You can choose between an apple that is drenched in caramel and gourmet chocolates then rolled in walnuts and dried cranberries; or try the giant Fuji apple is dipped in chocolate and then coated with crushed butter finger candy. Each apple arrives wrapped in cellophane and tied up with a big, red grosgrain bow.

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