Chocolate Lava Cakes

These cakes are easier than you’d think to make.  Just 3 easy steps:

1. Make the chocolate centers at least an hour ahead
2. Prepare  the batter for the cakes
3. Put the batter and chocolate centers in the ramekins, and bake ‘em.

Centers

• 2 oz dark chocolate
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Cakes

• 4 oz dark chocolate
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup cake flour

Preheat the oven to 400°

To make the centers:

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and cream.  Whisk together, and refrigerate until firm, at least one hour

To make the cakes:

Spray 6 4 oz ramekins.  Set aside.

1. In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter.  Whisk to blend.
2. In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer, combine eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla, on high speed, until the batter is lighter in color and thickened.
3. Fold melted chocolate and flour into the egg mixture until just combined.  Spoon cake batter into ramekins.  Place a chocolate ball into the middle of each ramekin.  Don’t press into the bottom of the ramekin.
4. Bake for 13-15 mins, or until cake is firm to the touch.  Let it cool for 5 minutes.  Invert onto plates.

Serve with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

Makes 6 servings