Happy Valentines Day

Personally, I am not a big fan of Valentines day. By Tuesday, Valentines day displays will be over, and Easter will take over.

As far as the chocolate treats are concerned, many companies in Canada have jumped on the peanut free bandwagon so there are choices out there, but nothing compares to a homemade chocolate dessert prepared with love for Valentines Day. This recipe is super easy to prepare, but it does require some last minute baking for the ‘lava’ effect. The batter can be prepared in advance.

Molten Lava Cakes:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 8 ounces chocolate (I like Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe)
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• ½ tsp of salt
• 4 teaspoons sifted flour
• 12 regular muffin cups OR 9 large muffin cups
• Cooking spray

In a double boiler OR microwave melt chocolate and butter.
Beat eggs, sugar and salt, then add this to the chocolate mixture and beat until smooth.

Add the sifted flour and mix until incorporated. Line 12 regular muffin cups (sprayed with cooking spray such) and preheat oven to 450. NOTE: if using large size cups the recipe will only yield 8-9 cakes.

Divide the batter among the cups and bake for approx 7-10 minutes.

Remove the papers, and serve immediately. I like to garnish with a mint leaf and raspberries or strawberry slices.

:)

J.