Warm Chocolate Cakes with Berries

Cakes:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted softened butter, plus extra for buttering molds

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder

4 large eggs

4 large egg yolks

2/3 cup granulated sugar

4 teaspoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting molds

3 tablespoons Frangelico or hazelnut liqueur

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup fresh strawberries

Fresh mint, for garnish

Butter and lightly flour 8 (6-ounce) ramekins. Tap out any excess flour.

In a small saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. In a large glass bowl, add butter, chocolate and espresso powder. Lower heat and place bowl over the simmering water. Slowly whisk mixture until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Remove bowl from heat and continue to whisk until all chocolate has melted. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, add eggs, yolks and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy and pale in color. Reduce speed to medium-low and slowly pour in the chocolate mixture. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overwork the batter.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Divide the batter among the molds, filling each 2/3 full, leaving room to rise at the top. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place chocolate molds onto baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. The tops and sides should be cooked and dry and the inside will be runny. Remove from the oven and run a thin knife around the edge of each cake. Using oven mitts, carefully invert each mold onto a plate and let sit for 20 seconds. Then gently lift 1 corner of the ramekin and the cake should slip out. (If not baking immediately, cover chocolate molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 8 hours. When ready to bake, place refrigerated chocolate molds onto baking sheet and proceed as above.)

Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon Frangelico over each cake. Spoon berries around the chocolate cake and garnish with mint. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 servings