I think Valentine’s day is a perfect time to make chocolate souffle. It brings a sweet ending to your romantic dinner. I first learned it at a pastry course and it’s actually pretty easy. All souffles will rise in the oven and fall shortly after they are taken out. That doesn’t mean that you fail, it’s just the way they are. Some recipes have a higher ratio of egg whites, some add cornstarch and milk or cream. These methods may make the souffles higher and stay in shape a little longer. After trying a few recipes, I found this one, adapted from the book “How To Bake Everything” by Mark Bittman is the simplest. It uses equal parts of egg yolks and whites, so you won’t need to worry about what to do with the extra yolks and the souffles came out both rich and airy. Have a sweet Valentine’s Day!

Makes about 4-6 servings

• Butter for greasing ramekins 
• 80 g granulated sugar, plus more for coating
• 90 g dark chocolate (70%), chopped 
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 
• Icing sugar for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Grease ramekins with butter, then sprinkle sugar over to coat, tap off excess 
3. Melt chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, let cool slightly 
4. Whisk together egg yolks and 30 g of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light yellow and mixture falls in a ribbon over surface 
5. Mix in melted chocolate until combined 
6. Clean and dry the whisk
7. In another mixing bowl using the electric mixer, whisk egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed until frothy
8. Increase speed to high and slowly add in 50 g of granulated sugar
9. Whisk until a stiff peak is formed
10. Gently fold egg whites, in 3 batches, into egg yolk mixture
    

    
11. Pour into ramekins and place on a rimmed baking tray 
12. Put tray into oven, pour about one inch of hot water into baking tray
13. Bake in hot water bath for about 20 minutes (Do not open oven door during baking)
14. Dust with icing sugar, serve immediately

Tools and Books 

KitchenAid K45SSWH Classic 4.5-Quart Bowl Stand Mixer, White

How to Bake Everything: Simple Recipes for the Best Baking

You can get these items through the Amazon website by clicking the above link. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase them.