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If there is one dessert that I make when I need or want something from my boyfriend it's probably a chocolate molten cake.  There is something about the decadent nature of this dessert that causes the recipient to feel beholden to anyone who takes the time and effort to prepare it.  The best kept secret about this dessert is the fact that despite being an impressive and seemingly complicated thing to make, it is fact a breeze to whip up.  But please don't tell anyone else about this.  For if you want someone to feel indebted to you, make them a molten! 

This recipe comes from Nigella Lawson's, How to be a Domestic Goddess . 

Molten Chocolate Cakes 

• 1/2 Stick unsalted butter at room temperature 
• 1/2 Cup sugar 
• 12 ounces of bittersweet chocolate
• 4 Large eggs
• 1/3 Cup flour 
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla
• 1 pinch of salt
• 6 ramekins (ceramic molds) approx. 6-ounces in size, lined with parchment paper 

1)  Prepare the ramekins that you'll bake the moltens in:  butter them and line the bottom with parchment.  This step will insure that the moltens will ease out of the ramekin molds after baking.

2)  To start melt the chocolate because it needs a chance to cool before you add it to the rest of the ingredients.  To melt the chocolate start by boiling a pot that has about 3-4 inches of water in it – you want there to be enough water so that it won't evaporate quickly but you also want to be able to rest a glass or metal bowl over the pot without the bottom of the bowl coming in direct contact with the water.  The idea is to melt the chocolate with indirect heat, i.e. the steam from the water.  Once the water comes to a boil turn down the heat to medium and place a glass or metal bowl over it and add the chocolate to the bowl.  If using bars of chocolate break them into small pieces so that they will melt faster.  Once the chocolate melts take off the heat and and allow to cool.  I find Ghirardelli's bittersweet chocolate works well in this recipe and their bars come in 4 oz. size so you need exactly 3 of them.

3)  Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl while the chocolate cools.   The butter must be at room temperature so that it's softened and easier to work with.  This just means using a spoon to stir them together until totally incorporated.  Then add one egg at a time and beat into the mixture.  Once you've added all 4 eggs add a pinch of salt (I use sea salt) and the vanilla extract.  The next step is adding the flour.  And finally, mix in the melted chocolate.

4)  Fill the ramekins with the batter evenly.  You can either cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake them or you can bake them immediately.  If you cook them immediately bake for 10-12 minutes at 400F.  If refrigerating them bake for 12-14 minutes at 400F.   I recommend serving with your favorite vanilla ice cream.

Note:  To more easily remove the moltens from their ramekins after they've baked, gently slide a knife around them to loosen and flip onto a plate.

Enjoy!