Chocolate Soufflé

Here's another dessert recipe that I absolutely love and that's also perfect for the holidays … Homemade Chocolate Soufflé! They're fairly easy to make but look and taste like restaurant quality. Be sure to serve them hot with a scoop of homemade ice cream on top, too!

Ingreadient

• 8 oz chocolate (semisweet (I used Enjoy Life chocolate chips))
• 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted (+ extra for greasing))
• 2 tablespoons water (rum or coffee also works)
• 6 eggs (separated)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup sugar

Step by step

1. Butter six 10- to 11-ounce ramekins and place on a large baking sheet.
2. In a small pot over very low heat melt the chocolate chips, butter and water (or rum or coffee) together. Some like to use a double-boiler for this, but I like to skip cooking steps whenever possible so therefore I never use a double boiler (and never have a problem). I just watch it closely and stir often. Once melted remove from the heat immediately.
3. Meanwhile separate the yolks and whites of the eggs. Set aside the yolks and using an electric mixer beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together until it becomes foamy and soft peaks form. Be careful not to overmix the egg whites otherwise they can become too stiff and will therefore not easily fold into the chocolate mixture. Slowly beat the sugar into the egg white mixture.
4. Whisk the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture and then, using a rubber spatula, scrape it into the egg white mixture and carefully fold to combine. Be sure to not let the heavy chocolate mixture fall and stay on the bottom of the mixing bowl. Dig deep when mixing!
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins and cover and refrigerate until ready to cook (for up to 24 hours). Bake at 375 degrees F until risen and set and the tops have a hint of dark brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Do not open the oven to check on the souffles until the last minute or so of baking to help prevent the souffles from falling. Top with homemade ice cream if desired and serve immediately.