They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”.  Well, if this is true then he will be yours forever!!  This year treat your Valentine to something extra special!!  Homemade doesn’t mean it needs to be hard.  These cakes are really easy and the most divine thing in the entire world!  (no, I’m not exaggerating)

This recipe makes six small ramekins. (do not cut the recipe in half.  It never turns out as good, but you can leave them covered in plastic wrap and uncooked in your fridge for about a week. When you cook them, leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes to bring to room temp.)

What you’ll need:

1 stick of butter, plus a pad for greasing

4 oz. super dark chocolate  My favorite is Lake Champlain or Valrona Chocolate

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

¼ cup sugar

2 tbsp. sifted flour

cocoa powder

What you’ll do:

First we are going to butter and flour the ramekins, but not your normal way.  Here is the secret trick!  Coat the 6 ramekins with butter.

Then with cocoa powder!  Using cocoa powder won’t leave behind any yucky white flour on your cake and it will add to the flavor!  (use this when making any chocolate cake)

Then place the ramekins on a cookie sheet.

In a double boiler, on low, melt the chocolate and butter together.

When the chocolate and butter are all melted, turn off the heat and set aside.

In a kitchenaid mixer or bowl with an electric hand mixer, mix the eggs, yolks, and sugar together.

Then gradually, drizzle in the chocolate and mix well.

Then gradually add 2 tbsp. sifted flour (yes, sifted. Unsifted will leave flour chunks in your cake)

Pour into the ramekins.  You want to fill them about 1/2 to 2/3 the way up.

Bake for exactly 7 minutes at 450 degrees.  This is the exact amount of time to have the cake be cake and the center be molten.  Any longer and you will have a lovely regular chocolate cake.

Remove from oven and one by one run a knife around the edges to loosen it.

To get it onto the plate, hold the ramekin from the bottom in one hand and place the plate on top with the other then flip.  Tap the bottom of the ramekin and remove it.  It should look like this.

Not too pretty yet, but it will be!  Dust with some powdered sugar and add a sprig of mint and some strawberries and poof:

You could also add some ice cream (vanilla, coffee, or dulce de leche would be fab!) or some fresh whipped cream.

So dig in and enjoy!!!

Buono Appetito!

Leslie