Mini Lava Cakes For Two Food

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR TWO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Combine the chocolate and 4 tablespoons of the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each with a rubber spatula, until completely melted and smooth, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total.
• Brush a 12-ounce ramekin with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon softened butter and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium-high until fluffy and pale, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, add the flour and whisk for a couple of seconds to combine. Turn off the machine.
• Add the chocolate mixture, turn on the machine and mix until just combined. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and pour the batter into the prepared ramekin. Bake until the sides are firm but the center is still soft, 17 to 19 minutes. (A cake tester inserted into the center of each cake should not come out clean.) Do not overbake.
• Let the cake cool for 1 minute. Invert onto a serving plate, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

MOLTEN LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.
• Combine the butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins.
• Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

MINI CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• In large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, 3 T. cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In small bowl, combine the milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir mixture into dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in pecans. Spoon mixture into 6 greased custard cups.
• Combine brown sugar and 3 T. cocoa. Sprinkle over batter. Pour 2 T. hot water over each cup. Place cups on baking sheet.
• Bake for 30 minute or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minute.
• Remove cakes upside-down onto serving plates. Garnish with whipped cream. Serve warm.