Choc-orange creme caramel

Anything chocolate goes down a treat in this kitchen, particularly at dessert time.
This recipe combines two favourites - chocolate and baked custard. It's not quick to make - but it is simple if you follow the steps carefully and take you time and the results are worth waiting for.
What could be better on a hot summer's day. Come to think of it, this creamy delight makes a cool treat in winter as well. When is not the right time for chocolate?

Ingredients:
1 orange (including finely grated zest)
160g good dark chocolate
600ml milk
250g caster sugar - plus another 3 tablespoons
120ml water
4 large eggs
3 egg yolks

Preheat oven to 160C (fan-forced) or 180C (conventional oven)

Method:
Combine orange zest and chocolate (broken) in a small bowl.
Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan and pour over chocolate. Stir until the mixture is smooth then set aside for 5 minutes. (Note: This step can be done in a microwave - place milk and chocolate in a microwave-proof bowl. Heat on medium until chocolate melts, checking and stirring every 30 secs or so to avoid overcooking the chocolate. When the mixture is smooth, stir in the orange zest and set aside for 5 minutes, then proceed as below).

Combine 250g caster sugar and water in medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil and cook without stirring until mixture turns a caramel colour.

Pour caramel into 20cm ovenproof dish (I prefer to use a Pyrex glass dish) and swirl to cover the sides of the dish with caramel.

Whisk egg yolks and 3 tablespoons caster sugar in a medium bowl until well combined.
Add milk mixture, stir until smooth and pour into the caramel-lined dish.
Place dish on a baking tray and pour hot water in the tray until it comes halfway up the sides of the dish (forming a bain marie).
Bake for about 75 minutes or until the creme caramel is just set.
Remove from oven. Cool then refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight.

To serve, run a warm dry knife around the edge of the dish and invert onto a plate.
For a stronger orange flavour, try replacing some of the water with orange juice.