Make this as an Excuse to Buy These

On the off chance you need an excuse to buy these adorable red creme brulee dishes ($1.95 each on sale at CrateandBarrel.com), make this:









Chocolate Mink:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus additional for greasing bowls

3.5 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 large egg, separated

1 tablespoon sugar

Put oven rack in the middle position and preheat oven to 350 F. Butter Bowls.

Melt chocolate and butter in a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove bowl from heat and cool, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Whisk in egg yolk and a pinch of salt until combined.

Beat egg white in a bowl with an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, beating until white just holds stiff, glossy peaks.

Whisk about 1/4 of white into chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining white gently, but thoroughly.

Divide batter between bowls. Cover each bowl with a small square of foil and crimp foil lightly around rim. Put bowls in a baking dish, then add enough water to reach half way up the sides of the bowls, making sure that the foil is above the water. Bake until puddings are just set, about 30 minutes. Puddings will be gooey to the touch.

Transfer bowls to a rack and cool puddings uncovered for an hour.

Just before serving, unmold and top with vanilla or coffee ice cream.