The sweet midwinter: Chocolate & amaretti custard

The sweet midwinter: Chocolate & amaretti custard

This is that elusive treat, a recipe you can whip up at the last minute without making a trip to the shops for supplies. If you prefer, you could serve the custard plain, or with a crumbling of anything from shortbread to ginger biscuits on top. 

SERVES 4

25g plain flour

60g unsweetened cocoa powder

90g caster sugar

a generous pinch of salt

500ml whole milk

80g amaretti biscuits

  • Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and salt in a heavy based saucepan set over a medium heat.
  • Stir in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • When it starts to bubble, remove from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes; it will thicken a little more as it cools.
  • Crumble half the amaretti into 4 small cups, bowls or ramekins (I like to use teacups).
  • Spoon the chocolate cream over them and leave to cool, then chill for 20-30 minutes. Crumble the remaining amaretti over the top before serving.