Chocolate Souffle Cakes Food

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES

Steps:

• Brush 6 (6-ounce) ramekins with soft butter, then coat with sugar. Put the prepared ramekins in the freezer. (This can be done a day ahead.)
• Set an oven rack in lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Put the chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.
• Combine the egg yolks and warm water in the bowl of a standing mixer or large bowl and beat until frothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, and continue beating until ribbons form, about 5 minutes. Very lightly fold the yolks into the chocolate mixture. (Rinse the bowl well, if using for beating the egg whites.)
• Remove prepared ramekins from freezer. Put the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer, or large non-reactive bowl, add the lemon juice. Beat on medium until frothy; then gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and increase speed to high. Beat until the whites hold a stiff but not dry peak.
• Working quickly, fold about a third of the egg whites into the chocolate to lighten; then fold in remaining whites until blended. Gently ladle or spoon the souffle mixture into the ramekins, and place on a baking sheet. (Level off the surface with a straight edge, scraping any excess mixture back into the bowl.)
• Immediately bake until the souffle rises about 1 1/2 inches from the ramekins, and the tops are touched with brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
• Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé PANCAKES

Steps:

• Make the syrup: Combine the maple syrup, heavy cream, chocolate, butter, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes. If the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the vanilla and keep warm over the lowest heat setting, stirring occasionally.
• Make the pancakes: Preheat the oven to 200˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat a large griddle or 1 or 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-low heat. Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the milk, egg yolk, melted butter and vanilla in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.
• Whisk the milk mixture into the flour mixture until just combined with some small lumps remaining; do not overmix. Fold in about one-third of the egg whites, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until there are no large streaks remaining, being careful not to overmix and deflate the batter.
• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons butter to the griddle just to coat. Add 1/4 cup batter per pancake, sprinkle with chocolate chips and cook until bubbles form on top and the bottoms are lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until set on the other side and just cooked through, 1 to 2 more minutes. Remove to the baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining pancakes. Repeat with the remaining batter and chocolate chips, adding more butter to the pan as needed and reducing the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly.
• Divide the pancakes among plates. Stir the chocolate syrup. Dust the pancakes with confectioners' sugar and top with the syrup.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Line bottom of 8-inch springform pan with 2-3/4-inch high sides with parchment paper.
• Spread pan and paper with vegetable oil spray.
• Sprinkle pan with 2 tablespoons sugar.
• Finely grind nuts with 2 tablespoons sugar in processor.
• Transfer nut mixture to large bowl.
• Mix in 10 tablespoons sugar and cocoa, then oil.
• Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt in large bowl until soft peaks form.
• Fold whites into cocoa mixture in 3 additions.
• Spoon batter into prepared pan; smooth top.
• Bake until cake puffs and tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes.
• Cool cake in pan on rack about 30 minutes.
• (Cake may fall.) Cut around pan sides to loosen cake.
• Remove sides of pan and cool cake completely.
• Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar.

FOODCHANNEL EDITOR

Steps:

• 1 Preheat an oven to 375°F. Butter and sugar ten 4.7 fluid ounces ramekins and place on a rimmed baking sheet. 2 Prepare the molten chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions. Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the batter to firm up. 3 In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt on medium-high speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to high, gradually add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 3 minutes more. 4 Using a rubber spatula, fold half of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until combined. Then gently fold in the remaining whites just until no white streaks remain; do not overmix. 5 Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins and smooth the tops. Bake until the soufflés are puffed but still jiggle slightly in the center when the ramekins are gently shaken, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer the ramekins to individual dessert plates and pour warmed caramel sauce over the soufflés. Serve immediately. Serves 10.

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.

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE FALLEN SOUFFLé CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter two 1 1/4-cup ramekins and coat the inside of each ramekin with granulated sugar, knocking out the excess. In a small metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water melt 4 ounces of the chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the butter with the espresso mixture and 1 tablespoon of the Kahlúa or rum, whisk the mixture until it is smooth, and remove the bowl from the heat. Let the chocolate mixture cool for 5 minutes and whisk in the yolks, 1 at a time. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the whites with a pinch of salt until they just hold stiff peaks, whisk about one fourth of them into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, and fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake the cakes in the middle of the oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed and a tester comes out almost clean. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins on a rack for 3 minutes.
• While the cakes are baking, in another small bowl set over the pan of barely simmering water melt 2 ounces of the remaining chocolate with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter and the heavy cream and whisk the sauce until it is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon Kahlúa or rum.
• Pour half the sauce onto each of 2 dessert plates, run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin, and invert a cake onto each plate. Top the cakes with the whipped cream and garnish them with the grated chocolate.

COMMANDER'S CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKES W/ WHITE CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Steps:

• --sauce--.
• Bring cream to simmer in small saucepan.
• Remove from heat.
• Add white chocolate and whisk until melted.
• Stir in rum.
• Chill until just cool, whisking occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• --cakes--.
• Preheat oven to 400ºF.
• Butter six 3/4-cup soufflé dishes.
• Stir chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until melted.
• Cool 10 minutes.
• Mix sugar and eggs in processor until well blended.
• Blend in butter.
• Add flour; process until smooth.
• Blend in chocolate.
• Divide batter among prepared dishes.
• Place on baking sheet.
• Bake until cakes are puffed, tops look crusty and tester inserted into center comes out with wet batter still attached, about 18 minutes.
• Run knife around sides of cakes.
• Invert onto spatula; gently slide onto plates.
• Spoon sauce around cakes.

CHOCOLATE ITALIAN SOUFFLE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325.
• Combine chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler, stirring until all is melted and combined.
• Whip eggs& sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix flour into chocolate mixture.
• Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs being careful to not lose all the wonderful volume from the eggs.
• Spray either 12 muffin tins or 12 ramekins/souffle dishes wtih non-stick spray.
• Pour batter into prepared pans/dishes.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 9-12 minutes.
• Serve immediately.
• Note: You can prebake these and then reheat them in a preheated 325 degree oven for 2-3 minutes.

INDIVIDUAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Coat 2 (6 ounce) ramekins with cooking spray; sprinkle each with 3/4 tsp sugar.
• Combine 2 T sugar, flour, cocoa, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Spoon chocolate mixture into a medium bowl; cool 4 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
• Place egg white in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Add remaining 2 T sugar, 1 tsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat). Gently stir 1/4 of egg white mixture into chocolate mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture.
• Spoon mixture into prepared dishes. Sharply tap dishes 2 or 3 times to level. Place dishes on a baking sheet; bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until puffy and set.
• Sprinkle each souffle with 1/2 tsp powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

BITTER CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a pan of water barely to a simmer. Place the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or metal mixing bowl and place over the pan of hot but not simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has melted but is not too hot. Stir until smooth.
• 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar together until thickened slightly and lighter in color. Whisk in the flour and then the chocolate mixture.
• 3. Place the egg whites in a metal bowl and place over hot water until warmed slightly. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and whip with an electric mixer on medium-low speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 1/2 tablespoons more sugar. Turn the speed to high and add the last 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, whipping the whites to firm peaks.
• 4. Stir a third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Fold in the remaining whites. Divide the batter among the tins. (The recipe can be made to this point up to 1 1/2 hours before serving; refrigerate).
• 5. Place the tins on a baking sheet and bake until the tops are puffed and feel firm to the touch but are very liquidy in the center, about 8 minutes (or a few minutes longer if they were cold).
• 6. Meanwhile, sift a little cocoa lightly over 8 dessert plates. Three minutes after the cakes are done, run the tip of a knife around the sides to loosen, and unmold the cakes onto the plates, rinsing the knife with hot water between each one. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sorbet.

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé CAKES

Steps:

• Butter six 4 1/2-inch-diameter tartlet pans with 3/4-inch-high sides and removable bottoms. Place tartlet pans on baking sheet. Stir chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add espresso powder and salt; stir to blend well. Cool to lukewarm, stirring occasionally.
• Using electric mixer, beat egg yolks, all but 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in large bowl until mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes. Fold 1/4 of egg mixture into chocolate mixture. Fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg mixture.
• Beat egg whites in another large bowl until soft peaks form. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; beat just until firm peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture. Divide batter among prepared pans. Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
• Beat cream in large bowl until soft peaks form. (Whipped cream can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Bake cakes until edges are set and centers are still soft, about 11 minutes. Cool on racks 2 minutes. Run knife around pan sides to loosen cakes. Remove pan sides. Transfer cakes to plates.
• Top each cake with dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with raspberries and mint, if desired. Serve cakes warm.

FALLEN CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE MINI CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 6 glass custard cups; place cups on a baking sheet.
• Beat egg whites and sugar together in a bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Heat chocolate chips and butter in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add in 1 egg yolk at time, stirring continuously. Add water and flour, stirring continuously. Fold in the beaten egg whites until just combined. Fill each custard cup about 2/3 full with batter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cakes rise slightly over the top of the cups and cracks form on their surface, 15 to 18 minutes.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a heavy-duty jellyroll pan 10 by 15 inches. Line the bottom of the pan with wax paper, allowing it to extend about two inches past the ends. Butter the paper.
• Combine 9 ounces of the chocolate with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the espresso powder and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of the boiling water in the top of a double boiler. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
• Beat the egg yolks until very thick and light. Gradually beat in the sugar. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture and set aside.
• Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, by hand in a copper bowl if possible, until they form peaks but are still of a creamy consistency. Do not overbeat. Stir one-quarter of this mixture into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest.
• Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake about 20 minutes, until puffy and beginning to shrink from the sides of the pan. The surface will also have lost its sheen and will spring back when touched lightly. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a rack for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, dissolve the remaining 4 tablespoons espresso in the remaining tablespoon of boiling water. Stir until syrupy, then refrigerate.
• Beat the cream in a chilled bowl until thick, like sour cream, but not yet stiff. Sift in the confectioner's sugar, beating, then the cooled espresso. Refrigerate.
• Place remaining chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Stir when melted. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Add the oil, stir; set aside.
• To assemble the cake dust the top with half of the cocoa. Gently warm the bottom of the jellyroll pan by holding it over a low burner, moving it around. Cover the pan with a large flat baking sheet, invert the pan and the baking sheet together. Hold down the wax paper and lift off the jellyroll pan. Carefully peel off the wax paper. Dust the cake very lightly with the remaining cocoa.
• Cut the cake in four equal portions crosswise. Using two broad spatulas, lift one of the portions onto a serving dish. Gently spread with some of the chilled espresso cream. Top with another portion of the cake, spread with more of the cream, add another cake layer, more cream, then the final cake layer. If any of the cake sections crack slightly while being transferred, don't worry. Icing will cover the flaws. Remove any excess cream from the sides of the cake with a spatula.
• Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes.
• Mask the exposed parts of the platter with pieces of foil or wax paper, slipping them just under the edges of the cake.
• If the glaze has set, warm it gently until it is fairly liquid. Pour about three-quarters of the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the top and cover the sides with the remaining glaze. Pat the toasted almonds all over the sides of the cake. Remove the protective paper or foil from the platter. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
• Cut the cake with a thin knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry.

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 SOUFFLé CAKE WITH ORANGE CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Make cake:
• Put a small roasting pan filled halfway with hot water in bottom third of oven (to provide moisture during baking), then preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 10-inch springform pan and line bottom with a round of parchment or wax paper. Butter paper.
• Melt butter and chocolate together in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring, then remove from heat. Beat together yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until thick and pale, and ribbons form when beater is lifted, about 6 minutes. Beat whites at medium speed with cleaned beaters in another large bowl until they just hold soft peaks. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, beating until whites just hold stiff peaks. Stir warm chocolate mixture into yolk mixture until combined well. Stir one fourth of egg whites into chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining egg whites gently but thoroughly.
• Pour batter into springform pan and bake in middle of oven (do not place springform pan in pan of hot water) until a tester inserted in center comes out with crumbs adhering, about 1 hour (a crust will form and crack on top of cake as it bakes). Transfer to a rack and cool 10 minutes (cake will "deflate" as it cools). Run a thin knife carefully around edge of cake, then remove side of pan. Cool cake on bottom of pan 30 minutes, then invert onto another rack or plate. Remove bottom of pan, then carefully peel off parchment. Invert cake onto a serving plate.
• Make sauce while cake bakes:
• Remove zest from 2 oranges and trim any white pith from zest. Cut zest into enough very thin strips to measure 1/4 cup. Squeeze juice from 3 oranges and strain through a fine sieve. Measure out 1 cup juice.
• Cook remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a dry heavy saucepan over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it begins to melt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork, until sugar is melted into a deep golden caramel. Add zest and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Tilt pan and carefully pour in juice (caramel will harden and steam vigorously). Cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until caramel is dissolved, then cool sauce.
• Serve cake with orange sauce.

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE SOUFFLé CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Grease springform pan, 9x2 1/2 inches, with shortening. In 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat 1 cup of the chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Cool 5 minutes. Stir in flour until smooth. Stir in egg yolks until well blended.
• In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Beat in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until soft peaks form. Fold about 1/4 of the egg whites into chocolate mixture; fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Spread in pan. Sprinkle 2/3 cup chocolate chunks evenly over top.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean (top will appear dry and cracked). Cool 10 minutes. Remove side of pan; leave cake on pan bottom. Cool completely on wire rack.
• Just before serving, in 1-quart saucepan, heat 1/3 cup chocolate chunks, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and the milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture boils. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 teaspoon butter.
• In chilled small bowl, beat all Sweetened Whipped Cream ingredients with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Place cake on serving plate. Drizzle servings of cake with sauce. Serve with whipped cream. Sprinkle with candies.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray bottoms only of 8 jumbo muffin cups or 10 ounce (large size) custard cups with cooking spray. In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate, margarine and 1 teaspoon coffee over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth; cool slightly.
• In medium bowl, beat 4 egg whites with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside.
• In another medium bowl, beat egg yolks and yogurt on medium speed until blended. Gradually beat in granulated sugar, brown sugar and chocolate mixture. Stir in flour, cocoa and cinnamon just until blended. Fold in egg whites. Spoon into muffin cups.
• Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until firm to the touch. Cool 5 minutes (centers of cakes will sink slightly). Remove from muffin cups to cooling rack. Cool 15 minutes.
• In 1-quart saucepan, heat syrup, powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon coffee over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
• Place cakes on individual plates. Drizzle with topping. Serve with whipped topping.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300 degrees. Grease a 10-inch springform pan with 1 tablespoon butter, and dust generously with granulated sugar.
• Melt chocolate and butter over simmering water in a double boiler, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip yolks and whole egg with 2/3 cup sugar on a high speed, until it is pale yellow and falls in a thick ribbon when the beater is raised, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice during mixing. Set aside.
• In an electric mixer, using a second whisk attachment and bowl, (both should be clean and free of grease) whip egg whites with remaining 1/3 cup sugar on high speed until thick and foamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside. While egg whites are beating, add the cooled, melted chocolate slowly to the yolk mixture.
• Temper whipped egg whites by mixing in about 1/4 cup of the chocolate mixture. Then gently fold egg whites into the chocolate yolk mixture, working quickly to maintain the volume of egg whites; the mixture will have a slightly marbleized appearance.
• Pour batter into prepared pan, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan on a cooling rack. When completely cool, gently run a knife around the edges of the pan and release spring. Dust with cocoa powder or confectioners' sugar before serving.

CHOCOLATE FALLEN SOUFFLé CAKE

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line bottom with a round of parchment or wax paper, then butter paper.
• Melt chocolate and butter in a large metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (or in a microwave-safe large glass or ceramic bowl in a microwave at 50 percent power for 4 to 5 minutes), stirring frequently, then cool completely. Whisk in vanilla, salt, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Add yolks 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in flour.
• Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a bowl using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks, then add remaining 6 tablespoons sugar a little at a time, beating, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff glossy peaks.
• Whisk about one fourth of whites into chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Pour batter into springform pan, spreading evenly.
• Bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs adhering, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Cool cake in pan on a rack 10 minutes. Remove side of pan and cool cake completely. Invert cake onto rack and remove bottom of pan, discarding paper, then invert cake onto a plate.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE/MOLTEN CAKE

Steps:

• Melt butter and chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water; remove from heat.
• Beat eggs and sugar with a hand mixer in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves.
• Beat egg mixture into chocolate until smooth.
• Beat in flour.
• Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 450 degrees.
• Spray muffin papers with vegetable cooking spray. Divide batter among muffin cups.
• For Souffle texture, bake for about 8-10 minutes.
• For Lava/Molten cake, remove cakes from oven as soon as the batter begins to puff to make sure center is not set.
• To remove the cakes without them being fallen apart, place a large plate over the muffin tins and flip over quickly.
• Serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Butter and flour a 10-by-2-inch round cake pan and line with a circle of parchment paper.
• Put chocolate, butter, orange zest, vanilla and almonds in top of double boiler. Melt over hot water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat as soon as chocolate is melted.
• Beat the egg yolks with half the sugar (in electric mixer, if desired) until mixture is thick and a slowly dissolving ribbon drops from a lifted beater. Fold lukewarm chocolate mixture into egg-sugar mixture with a large rubber spatula. Whip egg whites until foamy, then gradually add remaining sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Using rubber spatula, blend lightly but thoroughly into chocolate-egg mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Remove cake from oven and loosen sides with a sharp knife. Unmold onto a wire rack, then quickly and carefully reverse onto a second rack so that the cake is the right side up. The cake will sink slightly. Let cool.
• To make Creme Anglais, whisk egg yolks and sugar together, or beat in an electric mixer, until thick and lemon colored. Mix cornstarch with a little cold milk and add to rest of milk. Scald milk and pour over yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Pour custard into a heavy pan, preferably of tin-lined copper. Avoid using a plain aluminum pan, which discolors sauce.
• Stir with a wooden spoon over low to medium heat until custard starts to coat spoon and reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer. Do not cook over too high a heat, or the eggs will curdle.
• Strain into a clean dry bowl and stir in vanilla. Let cool, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Makes 6 cups.
• Before serving, sprinkle the cake with sifted powdered sugar. If you wish, cut a large Christmas star of light cardboard and lay on top of the cake before dusting with sugar. Carefully remove the star, and the pattern will remain. Serve wedges of cake on dessert plates on a pool of Creme Anglais.