Mini Dark Chocolate Bundts with Crème Anglaise

1 . Stage

To make Bundts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 8 (1-cup) mini Bundt pans.

2 . Stage

Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour simmering water on top and let stand for 3 minutes. Add cocoa and espresso powders; whisk together until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in sour cream until blended.

3 . Stage

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy, 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. The mixture will look light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat for 5 seconds.

4 . Stage

Turn mixer to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts to the butter-egg mixture, alternating with the chocolate mixture in 2 parts. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.

5 . Stage

Fill the mini Bundt pans about halfway full and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove Bundts from oven and place pans on racks to cool, 5 minutes; loosen cakes from edges of pans with a small heatproof spatula and invert onto racks. Let cool.

6 . Stage

To make crème anglaise: In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Set aside.

7 . Stage

In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until just about to boil.

8 . Stage

While whisking constantly, add half of milk mixture to egg mixture. Then stir egg-milk mixture back into saucepan with rest of milk; cook over low heat whisking constantly until thickened so as not to cook the eggs, 2 to 4 minutes (should coat the back of a spoon).

9 . Stage

Strain mixture through a fine sieve. Add brandy and chill in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight. When mixture is cool, pour over Bundts and serve immediately.