Molten Chocolate Cakes

These are a wonderful treat. Make sure to eat them immediately after they come out of the oven so that they don’t overcook. I like to make them for Valentine’s day in little tinfoil heart-shaped cups that I buy at the grocery store.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp plus ¾ cup butter, divided
1 bar 62% cacao bittersweet chocolate, broken into sections
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
¼ cup plus 1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425F. Generously butter six 6oz ramekins or custard cups with 2 tbsp butter.

Stir ¾ cup butter and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Beat eggs, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 8 minutes. Fold 1/3 of chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Fold in remaining chocolate mixture and flour until well blended. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Place on baking sheet.

Bake for 12-13 minutes or until sides are set and 1” centers move slightly when shaken. Remove from oven to wire rack.

To serve, run a thin knife around top edge of cakes to loosen slightly; carefully invert onto serving plates. Life ramekins off of cakes and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Sex in a Pan

A recipe passed down from my mother. I believe that she got it from my Aunt Cathy, but I could be wrong. Other names are Mean Momma’s Mountain Mudslide (as it is known in my family) and The Next Best Thing Since Robert Redford. Dieters beware!!!

1st Layer
1 cup flour
½ cup butter
½ cup Chopped nuts (optional – I usually use pecans or almonds)
¼ cup icing sugar

Mix together and press into a 9” X 13” pan and bake at 350º for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

2nd Layer
8 oz. Cream cheese
1 cup icing sugar
1 cup cool whip

Mix together and spread on top of the first layer, after it has cooked and cooled.

3rd Layer
1 2 ounce package chocolate instant pudding
1 2/3 cups milk

Mix together and let partly set, then spread evenly over the second layer.

4th Layer
Top the third layer with cool whip, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings and or chopped nuts.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.