Chocolate Volcanoes with Raspberry Coulis

Serves 6

From Best of Bridge Series. A guaranteed hit - easy and absolutely delicious! Prepare and freeze these serving-sized desserts ahead of time, then cook them while you enjoy your dinner.

ingredients

Volcanoes

1 1/2 Tbsp. instant espresso granules (or instant coffee granules)
1 Tbsp. boiling water
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking powder
6 - 1 oz. squares semisweet chocolate
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs

Raspberry Coulis

10 1/2 oz. pkg. frozen raspberries, thawed
1/3 cup sugar
1 - 2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier liqueur (orange juice is a good substitute)

directions

1
To Make Volcanoes: Dissolve coffee granules in boiling water. Set aside to cool. Grease 6 - 4 oz. ramekins. Using a whisk, combine flour, cocoa and baking powder in a small bowl. Reserve. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Add butter and sugar and stir until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Using as electric mixer, beat in eggs 1 at a time on medium speed. Add dissolved coffee and flour mixture and continue beating until fully mixed. Raise mixer speed to high and beat for 6 more minutes (there must be something good on TV!). Pour batter into ramekins and tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Freeze overnight or up to 2 weeks..
2
To make raspberry coulis: Combine raspberries and sugar in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a sieve (or a clean j-cloth) to remove seeds. Add liqueur and store in refrigerator.
3
Preheat oven to 375 F. Take ramekins out of freezer and remove plastic wrap. Bake volcanoes for 18 minutes - no longer! Cool on rack for 5 minutes. The outsides will be crusty and the centers will be gooey - sort of like your average volcano. To serve, drizzle individual plates with raspberry coulis. Invert each ramekin onto a plate and add a small scoop of ice cream.

Source: Laura Lee