MOCHA CUSTARDS

We really enjoy these simple little mocha custards. Made with every day ingredients and baked for 30 minutes, they are a sweet ending to a week day meal.

2 and 1/4 CUPS MILK
1/3 CUP SUGAR
3 TABLESPOONS UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER
1 TABLESPOON INSTANT COFFEE CRYSTALS
3 EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN
1 and 1/2 TEASPOONS VANILLA

WHIPPED CREAM AND COFFEE BEANS FOR DECORATION (optional)

Preheat your oven to 325. In a medium, heavy bottomed saucepan, mix milk, sugar, cocoa and coffee crystals. Cook and stir just until sugar and coffee are dissolved (don't let it get too hot).
In a medium size bowl, beat the 3 eggs and gradually whisk in the hot mixture into the eggs. Add vanilla and pour into six 6-ounce custard cups. Place the filled custard cups in a 9x13 pan and place the pan on your oven rack. Pour boiling water into the 9x13 pan to a depth of about one inch (being careful not to get any water into the custards).
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean (my oven takes 35 minutes). Carefully remove baked custards and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Lay plastic wrap right on the surface of the hot custard and put them in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Decorate with whipped cream and coffee beans.