What You Need:

2 C half and half, divided
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 eggs
1/4 t salt
2 t vanilla extract, divided
4 C stale bread cubes
1/2 C half and half
1 large egg yolk
2 T sugar
4 oz good quality milk chocolate

How to Make It:

Lightly spray four one cup oven proof custard cups with a non stick cooking spray.
Place the prepared cups on a baking sheet.
Place the rack into the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Pour 1 1/2 C of half and half into a saucepan placed over medium high heat.
Bring the half and half to a boil.
Remove the pan from heat and add the bittersweet chocolate.
Swirl the pan so that all the chocolate is covered well with the hot liquid.
Let the mixture stand for 1 minute then stir until the chocolate melts and is smooth.
Break the eggs into a mixing bowl.
Add the sugar, salt and 1 t of vanilla.
Whisk the mixture 20 seconds or until frothy.
Gradually pour the chocolate cream into the mixture, stirring to blend in.
Add the bread cubes then press them down with a spatula to submerge.
Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, pressing down the bread occasionally.
Divide the mixture between the 4 custard cups and bake 30 minutes or until set.
Transfer the custard cups to a wire rack and let cool at least 10 minutes.
Pour the remaining half and half into a small saucepan and place over medium high heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer for 3 minutes.
Place the egg yolk into a bowl.
Add the sugar and whisk for 30 seconds or until it thickens and pales.
Quick whisk 1/2 of the warm half and half into the egg mixture.
Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining half and half.
Place the pan over medium heat.
Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon heat 2 minutes until the mixture coats the spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the four custards.

Makes 4 servings