ALMOND-CHERRY SOUFFLES WITH WARM CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Almond-Cherry Souffles With Warm Chocolate Sauce image

Provided by evelynathens

Categories Dessert

Time 34m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

butter, for preparing the ramekins
sugar, for preparing ramekins
1 1/2 cups sour pitted cherries
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
5 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
5 ounces coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate, use a premium brand
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F Butter and sugar 6 8-ounce ramekins, place on a baking sheet, and set aside.
Combine cherries, lemon juice and almond extract in a blender and puree until very smooth and almost fluffy. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
In a large, clean, metal bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until very soft peaks form. Continue to beat while slowly adding sugar in a steady stream. Beat until peaks are stiff but not dry. Use a rubber spatula to beat one-third of egg whites into cherry puree. Gently fold puree into remaining egg whites. Divide this mixture among ramekins and smooth the tops. Bake just until well-risen and beginning to brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
To serve, immediately bring soufflés to the table. Pass around warm chocolate sauce, so that each person may split his soufflé in the middle and spoon in sauce if desired.
For warm chocolate sauce: Heat 2 or 3 inches of water in a small saucepan to a low simmer. Combine chocolate with butter and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl that fits over saucepan - bowl should not touch water. Stir until chocolate melts. Remove from heat and stir well until smooth; serve immediately. (Sauce may be reheated by setting it over simmering water as in preparation.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.2, Fat 21.9, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 28.9, Sodium 100.5, Carbohydrate 28.7, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 9, Protein 6.8