MEXICAN CHOCOLATE POTS DE CREME

Steps:

• Position your oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Slice the two chile peppers in half and carefully remove the seeds. Combine 2 cups of the cream, sugar, chiles and the espresso powder in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer while you whisk, dissolving the espresso powder. Once simmering, remove from the heat and remove the chiles with a slotted spoon and discard. Add the chocolate and stir until it is melted and smooth. Set aside.
• Select a large bowl. Whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon and salt until well blended. Whisk in the chocolate mixture. Strain the mixture into a large 4-cup measuring cup.
• Place 6-8 custard cups or ramekins in a large roasting pan at least 2" deep. Divide the mixture evenly among the cups. Pour enough hot water in the pan to come halfway up the sides of the cups. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place in oven and bake until the custard is just set around the edges, approximately 25 - 35 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven. Remove cups from the pan and allow them to cool. Cover and chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours and as long as overnight.
• To Serve: Whip cream until soft peaks form. Spoon creme into a pastry bag with a star shaped tip. Pipe one star in the middle of each cup.