Chocolate Raspberry Souffle Food

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé

Steps:

• Melt the 4 Tablespoons of butter and the chopped chocolate together in a double boiler or in a large heatproof bowl in the microwave. Microwave in 20 second increments, stirring after each until completely melted and combined. Slightly cool for 3-5 minutes.
• Whisk egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt into chocolate mixture. Set aside.
• In a completely clean residue-free medium glass or metal mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together on high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. With the mixer running on high speed, slowly add the sugar in 3 additions about 1 Tablespoon at a time, beating for 5 seconds before adding the next Tablespoon. After all 3 Tablespoons of sugar have been added, beat until stiff glossy peaks form, about 2 more minutes. Do not over-beat.
• Slowly and gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. It's best to do this in 3 separate additions, combining each addition completely before folding in more.
• Refrigerate the batter for 5-10 minutes as you preheat the oven and prepare the ramekins. (No need to cover the batter unless you are refrigerating it for longer than 1 hour. Can be made up to 2 days in advance, see make ahead instructions below.)
• Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat to 400°F (204°C).
• Brush four 6-ounce oven-safe straight sided ramekins with a generous coating of the softened butter. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, then shake/rotate each to ensure every spot of the ramekin has a sugar coating. Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Discard excess sugar.
• Spoon batter evenly into ramekins. Using a knife or icing spatula, smooth down the surface. Run a knife, icing spatula, or your thumb around the rim at the top, creating a "channel" between the batter and the rim of your pan. Feel free to wipe the edges clean with a towel, though I don't always do that and don't notice a difference in appearance or rise.
• Place baking sheet with ramekins on top in the oven. Immediately reduce oven temperature to 375°F (191°C). Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the edges are set and the center just barely jiggles when you give the pan a light tap. Avoid opening/closing the oven too much.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately plain or with optional toppings. Soufflés begin to fall within minutes. You'll still have that sponge-like texture underneath a crackly top, though it settles into a denser texture as time passes. Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

INDIVIDUAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES

Steps:

• Set an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Brush six 6-ounce ramekins with softened butter, then coat with granulated sugar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Put the chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring to a low simmer; set the bowl over--but not touching--the water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Set aside.
• Combine the egg yolks and 2 tablespoons warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer) and beat until frothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and continue beating until very thick ribbons form, about 5 minutes. Very lightly fold the yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture.
• Put the egg whites in a clean bowl of a standing mixer (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer) and add the cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until frothy; increase the speed to high and gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Beat until the whites hold a stiff but not dry peak, about 3 minutes.
• Working quickly, fold about a third of the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture to lighten; then fold in the remaining whites until blended. Gently spoon the souffle mixture into the prepared ramekins and place on a baking sheet. Lightly smooth the tops of the souffles.
• Immediately bake until the souffles rise about 1 1/2 inches from the ramekins, about 18 minutes. In the meantime, make the Triple Raspberry Sauce.
• Remove the souffles from the oven, pour some of the sauce over the center of each, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
• In a small saucepan, add the raspberries, sorbet, raspberry jam and lemon zest and set over medium heat. Stir, breaking up the raspberries while it comes to a simmer, then cook until the foam subsides and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and swirl in the butter.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Fit the souffle dish, or dishes, with doubled bands of foil, brushed with vegetable oil. The foil should extend about 3 inches above the rim of the dish(es).
• Using a double-boiler, or heat-safe bowl over saucepan with simmering water, melt both chocolates, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, beat egg YOLKS, until they are thick and pale.
• In a small saucepan, combine the raspberry juice with 1 1/2 T of sugar. Bring to a simmer, then add to the egg yolks in a very slow stream, beating constantly. If you add too quickly, it will cook the yolks. Continue to beat mixture for 1 minute.
• Add yolk/raspberry mixture to chocolate in the same manner as above.
• In a large bowl, beat egg WHITES until frothy, then add the cream of tartar. Continue to beat until the whites hold soft peaks. Add the 1/3 cu sugar a little at a time and continue beating until whites have stiff, glossy peaks.
• In a chilled bowl, beat the cream until is has stiff peaks.
• Stir 1/4 of the whites mixture into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the remaining whites. Just before they are fully incorporated, fold in the whipped cream.
• Spoon mixture into the prepared souffle dish(es), cover loosely and chill for at least 3 hours or until set. Remove collar just before serving.
• Can be made up to 1 day in advance.

RASPBERRY SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare 4 (8-ounce) ramekins or a 1 1/2-quart souffle dish by greasing with softened butter and coating with granulated sugar, pour out any excess. The butter and sugar will keep the souffles from sticking to the sides and will allow them to rise evenly. The sugar will also give the souffle a crunchy crust, which is a great contrast to the soft interior.
• To make the fruit puree base, heat the raspberry puree, 3/4 cup sugar and butter in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then strain to remove the raspberry seeds. Whisk in the egg yolks 1 at a time.
• In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar just until they hold soft peaks. Fold 1/3 of the beaten whites into the raspberry mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the rest. Spoon into the prepared ramekins or souffle dish and place on a cookie sheet. Bake on the middle rack for about 20 minutes. The souffle is done when it has puffed over the rim, the outside is golden and the center giggles slightly. Take care not to over bake. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

RASPBERRY SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Generously butter four 8-ounce ramekins with the softened butter and then, using a pastry brush, brush the butter on the sides of the ramekins in an upward direction; it will help the souffles rise. Dust the ramekins with 1 tablespoon superfine sugar, dividing it evenly among the ramekins.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, 1 cup raspberries and the remaining 2 tablespoons superfine sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the raspberries have cooked down to a jam-like consistency, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
• Transfer 1 cup of the sauce to a large bowl and set aside. Reserve the rest in the pan.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F; position the rack in the middle.
• Divide the remaining 1/4 cup raspberries among the ramekins and top evenly with the raspberry sauce from the pan. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on low speed until foamy, 1 minute. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat on low speed for 1 minute. Raise the speed to medium and slowly add the powdered sugar. Continue to beat until the whites hold firm peaks, about 7 minutes. Fold a third of the beaten whites into the reserved 1 cup raspberry sauce to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites. Spoon the souffle batter into the ramekins, smoothing it over if you want a tidy finish (see Cook's Note) or mounding it, like cotton candy, if you want a more rustic look. (If you are going for a classic souffle look, be sure to carefully and thoroughly wipe around the ramekin edges.)
• Place the ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the souffles are puffed and dark golden, about 15 minutes; they should remain pudding-like on the inside. Serve immediately, garnished with raspberries, if desired.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE WITH RASPBERRY CREAM

Steps:

• Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until semi-stiff. Add confectioners' sugar and whip until stiff. Refrigerate. Puree raspberries in a food processor, then pass them through a sieve; fold this into the whipped cream and reserve until later.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter 4-1/2 cup capacity ramekins and lightly dust the insides with sugar; set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the semisweet and unsweetened chocolates with the milk. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly. The minute the chocolates are melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the melted chocolate to a small bowl and cool to room temperature.
• Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they are soft. Add the granulated sugar and whip until stiff but not dry. Whisk the yolks into the cooled melted chocolate. Fold 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then fold the lightened chocolate mixture back int the egg whites. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The souffles should remain moist in the center.
• To serve, bring the souffles to the table and serve raspberry cream on the side. Each diner should break the souffle open with a spoon and add raspberry cream in the center

CHEF JOHN'S CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Brush bottom and sides of 2 (5-ounce) ramekins lightly with 1 teaspoon melted butter; cover bottom and sides right up to the rim. Add 1 tablespoon white sugar to ramekins. Rotate ramekins until sugar coats all surfaces. Pour off extra sugar.
• Place chocolate pieces in a metal mixing bowl. Place bowl over a pan of about 3 cups hot water over low heat. Do not let water boil or come to a simmer.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour. Whisk until flour is incorporated into butter and mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cold milk until mixture becomes smooth and thickens, 2 or 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Transfer mixture to bowl with melted chocolate. Add salt and very small pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix together thoroughly. Add egg yolk and mix to combine. Leave bowl above the hot (not simmering) water to keep chocolate warm while you whip the egg whites.
• Place 2 egg whites in a mixing bowl; add cream of tartar. Whisk until mixture begins to thicken and a drizzle from the whisk stays on the surface about 1 second before disappearing into the mix, 2 or 3 minutes. Add 1/3 of sugar and whisk in. Whisk in a bit more sugar about 15 seconds; whisk in the rest of the sugar. Continue whisking until mixture is about as thick as shaving cream and holds soft peaks, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer a little less than half of egg whites to chocolate. Mix until egg whites are thoroughly incorporated into the chocolate, 1 or 2 minutes. Add the rest of the egg whites; gently fold into the chocolate with a spatula, lifting from the bottom and folding over. Stop mixing after the egg white disappears. Divide mixture between 2 prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated oven until scuffles are puffed and have risen above the top of the rims, 12 to 15 minutes.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 1 1/2-quart tall-sided baking dish. Coat with sugar, tapping out excess. Set dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine chocolate, vanilla, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, 20 minutes.
• Stir egg yolks into cooled chocolate mixture until well combined. Set souffle base aside.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes (do not overbeat).
• In two additions, fold egg-white mixture into souffle base: With a rubber spatula, gently cut down through center and lift up some base from bottom of bowl. Turning bowl, steadily continue to cut down and lift up base until just combined.
• Transfer mixture to dish, taking care not to get batter on top edge of dish; smooth top. Bake souffle until puffed and set, 30 to 35 minutes. (Do not open oven during first 25 minutes of baking.) Serve immediately.

HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé

Steps:

• Take four 200ml soufflé dishes and brush them completely with softened butter. Chill the dishes for 5 mins, then, as an insurance policy so the soufflé doesn't stick to the dish, apply a second coat as before. Tip a little grated chocolate into each dish, roll the dish around tilting it as you do so it is evenly lined all round.
• For the crème patisserie, mix the flour, sugar and cornflour. Put egg yolk and whole egg into a bowl, stir, then beat in half of the flour mixture to give a smooth paste. Tip in the rest of the flour mixture and mix well.
• Pour the milk and cream into a pan and bring just to the boil. Remove from the heat. Add the chocolate and beat until it is melted and smooth with no lumps.
• Gradually stir hot chocolate mix into paste. Return to pan. Cook, stirring, over a medium-low heat for 5 mins to a smooth, thick paste. Remove from the heat. Leave until cold, beating occasionally with a wire whisk.
• Make the ganache: slowly warm the cream in a pan. Just before it boils, take off the heat and add chocolate. Beat constantly to a velvety texture, gradually sprinkling in the cocoa as it dissolves. Allow to cool.
• Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks with an electric whisk. Sprinkle in the sugar as you are mixing. Keep whisking to give stiff, firm peaks to give volume to the soufflés.
• Mix crème patisserie and ganache in a large bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp of egg white. Carefully fold in a third of the rest, cutting through the mixture. Fold in another third (take care not to lose the volume); fold in the rest.
• Spoon the mixture into the dishes to fill them by three-quarters, then gently press a spoon in to make sure it fills all the gaps. Fill the dishes to the top with the mixture, then bang each dish on to the surface so the mixture fills the sides.
• Take a palette knife and pull it across the top of each dish so the mixture is completely flat. Take a little time to wipe any splashes off the outside of each dish, or they will burn on while cooking.
• So mixture won't stick to the top of the mould, and to give a straight finish, go around the top edge of the mixture with your finger. Sprinkle a little grated chocolate in the centre, then bake the soufflés for 15-17 mins.
• The soufflés should have risen by about two thirds of their original height and jiggle when moved, but be set on top. To serve, make a small dip with a spoon in the centre of each, then pour in single cream or add a spoonful of ice cream.