Chocolate Lava Cakes

On our first date, my husband and I decided that we needed to order a chocolate lava cake. However, since we had already left the restaurant where we ate supper, we made another stop at a different place, just to order dessert. Instead of sitting down and eating the warm, gooey cake, we asked them to box it up, and then went back to my dorm and shared it with my roommates. Not the typical ending to a first date, I would image, but it endeared my heart to him just a little more than it already was at the time. He has a very generous heart and was great about watching out for me and my roommates while we were in college.

When I made these, I cut the recipe in half because it's only the two of us and I actually only have two small ramekins, not four. I gave you the original recipe here, but it can easily be cut down or increased if needed. These lava cakes were the perfect after supper treat with a cup of black coffee. My husband immediately asked me to make them again sometime! And that is something I love to hear when it comes to my baking :)

Chocolate Lava Cakes
Makes 4

7 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing
5 1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 eggs
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons flour

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease four 6 oz. ramekins with butter. Set aside.

2. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and the chocolate together over low heat. Stir until smooth with a wooden spoon, then allow the mixture to cool.

3. In a large bowl, combine the eggs and the sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the eggs are thick and pale. Stir in the flour, then gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture with a metal spoon. Divide the mixture evenly between the four ramekins.

4. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake in the hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The outside of the cakes should be slightly firm, while the middle is still soft. Allow the cakes to cool for a few minutes, then turn them out onto plates. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Adapted from: The Big Book of Chocolate by Jennifer Donovan.