
I have an orange-flavored chocolate bar stash that I contemplated sharing with you, but reconsidered when I realized how much I actually have. It’s a little excessive. I need to stop collecting them and start eating them. At the moment I particularly like Lindt’s Excellence Orange Intense. The texture of the orange peel inside the dark chocolate is just perfect. I decided to put my own chocolate-orange creation together in the form of pots de creme. Candied orange peel was in the works for a topping, but these little jewels were calling to me from the produce shelf. I used them instead.

(From my stash: Chocolove has a love poem printed on the wrapper- sweet!)
Candied kumquats are sooo yummy. I can eat them just like maraschino cherries from the jar (which I realize is disgusting to some people, but bear with me). Non-candied kumquats? Not my fave. They tend to be a tad bitter for my taste. Before candying, these are quickly boiled three times to remove any trace of bitterness, and all that’s left is a bright orangey-citrus flavor.

Candied Kumquats [click for printable recipe]
1 cup sliced kumquats
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
Drop kumquats in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes; drain. Repeat this process 3 times to remove bitterness from the fruit.
In a small pot combine water and sugar. Heat until sugar has dissolved and add previously boiled kumquats. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
Use as a condiment or dessert topping.

I urge you to try them on goat cheese with crackers when you’re having a snack attack!

The chocolate pots are all they should be. Rich, creamy, orangey. I considered using the Chocolove orange peel bar in the custard but instead decided on orange extract to maintain a smooth texture.
Chocolate-Orange Pots de Creme [click for printable recipe]
6-8 servings
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
1 1/3 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons orange extract
Pinch of salt (x2)
6 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Put chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring cream, milk, orange extract, and a pinch of salt just to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour over chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in another bowl, then add warm chocolate mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a 1-quart glass measure and cool completely, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
Divide custard among 6 – 4 oz. ramekins. Bake at 300 degrees in a hot water bath for 30- 35 minutes. Allow ramekins to cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Chill for 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.

One more thing.
This past week my husband and I added a rescue Pug to our family. He’s a cute little guy that spends most of his time snoozing in his new bed. In fact, I’d say he’s the polar opposite to our hyperactive (and still puppy aged) Biscuit. I won’t go in-depth about his sad story, but will say that he lived in a small closet for 4 years and was only let out once a day to eat and go to the bathroom. He is now learning how to play and finding out how treats figure into the equation of his new life (given often with lots of belly rubs). He doesn’t respond to his name which is very telling of his old life. We figure he needs a new one. My husband wants to name him Jabba but I don’t know…I’m not crazy about it. We’ve tossed around the names Churro, Jelly and Flapjack.
Can you tell we are food obsessed people?
If you have name suggestions I’d love to hear them!

In his most familiar pose. Or repose.
Beautiful dessert, just gorgeous. I have a recommendation for a name. How about "Rocky", he has had a "rocky" life so far but now it will be all good!
Aww, I really like that!
Absolutely divine looking dessert. I never tried Kuamquats before. May do so now that I've discovered your recipe.
Your puppy is adorable…he should meet my Sushi.
BTW…I think the name Churro would suit him well. Just my tiny 2 cents.
Thanks for sharing your very interesting recipe.
Flavourful wishes, Claudia
I love the candied kumquats! They are such a gorgeous color! Your new doggie is adorable. I think the name churro is just about the cutest thing I've ever heard!
oh my goodness, how adorable! you should name him some like remington…remi for short?
The Dessert is gorgeous and your rescue pug is delicious. As a past owner of many Shar Pei, I have a weakness for animal squishy faces. His new name will come to you when you least expect it….
he's all squishy-faced… maybe he could be a rugelach?
Gorgeous dessert…I was "this" close to buying that chocolove bar today!
And bless your new little pug's heart. Totally cute! I like Flapjack! Having Biscuit and Flapjack running around the yard would be too precious!
I admire people like you that adopt rescued animals. I think our life turns brighter and adopted animals are so thankful!
Certainly you’ve got an all-life friend.
This recipe looks delicious! I will try it soon, for sure!
This is one lucky pup…he's going to think he's died and gone to dog-heaven!
You know, I've never had kumquats, but this dish looks so inviting, especially with the chocolate:)
I think I like the name Churro too. Churros have ridges, kind of like his cute, little squishy face:)
Aw, poor guy! I like flapjack & flap for short. 🙂 Kinda like he's unflapable (sp?).
~ingrid
That particular chocolate bar is one of my faves, too. I love how you can really taste the citrus rinds in there. Your kumquat creation is gorgeous beyond words. 😉
wow, that pot de creme looks delicious. i've attempted pot de cremes before in the past, but i think the recipe i used maybe wasn't good; i'd love to try this one.
LOL how about "kumquat" as a name for your pug?
Looks beautiful Heather 🙂
Mmm i bet thesee were delicious, they sure look it!
Heather, these pots look beautiful!
And I'm also a collector of chocolates, flours, curds and stuff like that, but I don't use them as soon as I get home, but I like to watch them on my kitchen'shelves…why?
Ok, the Pug is amazing, and I like the fact that you adopted him…I vote for "Jelly"
Have I told you how much I love your blog? Because I utterly adore it. *sigh*….
Wow, this looks delicious!!! What a fun flavor combo! And such a cute new addition to your family. Can't wait to hear his new name…
That looks yummy! Chocolate & Oranges make a wonderful combination. And I agree Lindt's Excellence Orange Intense (my fav chocolate/orange bar) is superb, the orange peel and almonds with the dark chocolate just go together.
thanks for the awesome desert idea and recipe! I will for sure have to try candied kumquats! LOVE LOVE LOVE chocolate and orange together. You new doggy make me a bit sad, but I am also happy that you are offering him a life. we have adopted a stray cat that was so shy, matted and underfeed. she wouldn't let us touch her for 4 months. now, she sleeps on my pillow, EVERY NIGHT! I want you to know that you are on my sidebar on my blog for "stay inspired, creative blogs" that I follow. you've been there for… Read more »
We have 2 rescue pugs, one of whom is named Flapjack. 😀 When we were picking names, we wanted one that was a silly-sounding food. That's what we came up with and it suits him perfectly.
Congrats on your rescue, they're fabulous dogs!
Thanks for this fantastic tutorial!
You`r work is beautiful!!
Started chocolate site http://shoko.by SHOKO BY
I would call him Willard… Or Jelly 😛
yummmmm, just yummmmmy, so creamy, juicy and apetising and delicious dessert for everyone 😀