Chocolate Lava Cake

Servings: 4

Approximate Cost in the UK: £10-£12

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 50g white chocolate, chopped (for the center)
• 50g milk chocolate, chopped (for the center)
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparation (15 minutes):
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens).
   • Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melting Chocolate (5 minutes):
   • In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together either over simmering water or in the microwave.
3. Batter (10 minutes):
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
   • Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and fold until well combined.
4. Assembling (5 minutes):
   • Divide half of the batter among the prepared ramekins.
   • Place a few pieces of white chocolate and milk chocolate in the center of each, then cover with the remaining batter.
5. Baking (12 minutes):
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still gooey.
6. Serving (3 minutes):
   • Let the lava cakes cool for a minute, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
   • Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Pro Tips:

• Ensure your ramekins are well-greased to ease the release of the lava cakes.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate for the molten center for added complexity.