4 ramekins (4-ounce size)
Kitchen torch
Large baking dish (for water bath)
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine-mesh strainer (for checking crab meat)
Plastic wrap (for chilling)
Step 1: Prep Work (10 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C)
Check crab meat for any shells and drain if needed
Chop fresh chives
Let mascarpone cheese come to room temperature
Get all ingredients measured and ready
Step 2: Make the Base (10 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg yolks until smooth
Add room temperature mascarpone cheese and whisk until no lumps remain
Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice
Add chopped chives, salt, and white pepper
Gently fold in crab meat, trying not to break up the lumps
Step 3: Fill Ramekins (5 minutes)
Divide mixture evenly among four 4-ounce ramekins
Tap ramekins gently on counter to remove air bubbles
Place ramekins in a large baking dish
Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins
Step 4: Baking (30 minutes)
Carefully place baking dish in preheated oven
Bake for 25-30 minutes until custards are set but still slightly jiggly in center
When gently shaken, the center should move like Jell-O
Internal temperature should reach 170°F if using a thermometer
Step 5: Cooling (2 hours minimum)
Remove ramekins from water bath carefully
Let cool on wire rack for 20 minutes
Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
Step 6: Finishing Touch (5 minutes)
Remove ramekins from refrigerator
Blot any moisture from tops with paper towel
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon raw sugar evenly over each custard
Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden brown
Let stand 1 minute until sugar hardens
- Keep crab meat cold until ready to use
- Don’t skip the water bath – it ensures even cooking
- Make sure custards are very cold before torching
- Hold torch 2-3 inches from sugar while caramelizing
- Don’t torch until ready to serve
Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 395mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 225mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2085IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 128mg