When I was growing up I went to church camp for one week every summer from grades 3-12. One of the many good things that came out of this experience was meeting my best friend Bea. In spite of the fact that we grew up in different towns and didn't see much of other through the school year, our friendship thrived, and we have been best friends for almost 20 years. We still live in different cities, but we try to get together as much as possible. Today she was passing through, and came over to the house to visit for a few hours. As a special treat I made my decadent Baby Lava Cakes. Even my hubby (who is not big on sweets) loves these; you have to give them a try!
Baby Lava Cakes
Source: Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
- 1 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips (1 10.5 ounce bag), divided
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 3 whole eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
In a small saucepan combine 3/4 cup chocolate pieces and whipping cream. Cook and continuously stir over low heat until chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and chill in fridge until firm, about 45 minutes.
For the cake:
In another saucepan melt remaining 1 cup of chocolate and butter over low heat until melted. Remove from heat; cool.
Form the filling into 6 equal-size balls, and set aside. Grease and flour six 6-ounce custard cups. Place cups onto a baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until lemon colored; about 5 minutes. Beat in cooled chocolate mixture. Sift together flour and cocoa powder. Incorporate dry ingredients into batter.
Fill custard cups 1/3 full of cake batter. Place one ball of filling into each cup. Spoon remaining batter into cups.
Bake at 400 for 13 minutes or until cake feels firm at the edges. Allow cakes to cool in cups for a few minutes and then use a knife to loosen the edges. Invert onto dessert plate.
Serve immediately and enjoy! - I love to eat these with ice cream!
