- Level: Intermediate
- Total: 6 hr
- Prep: 1 hr
- Inactive: 2 hr
- Cook: 3 hr
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups finely chopped chocolate (recommended: Valhrona brand)
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1 cup butter
4 eggs
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Armagnac
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for sifting
Powdered sugar
Spun Sugar Halo, recipe follows
Spun Sugar Halo:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Directions
- Filling: In a heavy saucepan combine 1 cup of the chocolate and whipping cream. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts. Transfer mixture to a small bowl. Cover and chill for 45 to 60 minutes or until nearly set. Lightly grease and cocoa powder 6 (3/4-cup) souffle dishes. Divide chilled chocolate filling evenly between dishes. Place dishes in baking pan, set aside.
- In a double boiler over low heat, stir butter and remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside.
- Batter: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and Armagnac on high speed for 5 minutes or until thickened and lemon-colored. With mixer on medium speed, beat in melted butter-chocolate mixture until combined. Sprinkle flour and cocoa powder over the chocolate mixture, beat on low speed until combined. Divide batter evenly among the dishes. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the cakes feel firm at the edge. Cool in dishes for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a knife, loosen cakes from side of dishes. Invert onto dessert plates. Sift cocoa powder onto plates, dust cakes with powdered sugar and serve with Spun Sugar Halo's.
Spun Sugar Halo:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture caramelizes, about 15 minutes. Drop syrupy mixture onto waxed paper in a circular "halo" and cool before peeling off waxed paper backing. Place halos on top of cakes as garnish.
