Ingredients

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped4 cups heavy whipping cream1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided8 large egg yolks, beaten1 tablespoon vanilla extract30 fresh raspberries2 tablespoons brown sugarAdditional fresh raspberries, optional

Preparation

Place chocolate in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, bring cream and 1/2 cup sugar just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Slowly stir hot cream mixture into egg yolks; stir in vanilla.

Place 3 raspberries in each of 10 ungreased 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups. Evenly divide custard among ramekins. Place in a baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 40-50 minutes or until centers are just set (custard will jiggle). Remove ramekins from water bath; cool 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Combine brown sugar and remaining sugar. If using a creme brulee torch, sprinkle custards with sugar mixture. Heat sugar with the torch until caramelized. Serve immediately. If broiling the custards, place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Broil 8 in. from the heat until sugar is caramelized, 4-7 minutes. Refrigerate until firm, 1-2 hours. If desired, top with additional fresh raspberries.