SHOWSTOPPING CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Showstopping Chocolate Souffle image

With its chewy exterior and warm, puddinglike center, chocolate soufflé might be considered the more refined cousin of molten cake. With or without creme anglaise, it's a showstopper. Soufflé has earned a reputation for difficulty, but following a few key techniques will reward you with a masterpiece every time.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, melted, for dish
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for dusting
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/3 cups milk
6 large egg yolks plus 8 large egg whites, room temperature
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Salt
Pinch cream of tartar (if not using a copper bowl)
Creme Anglaise

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in lower third. Do not open oven door until ready to bake. Brush outer lip of a 2-quart souffle dish with melted butter. Tie a sheet of parchment around dish with kitchen twine so it extends 3 inches above rim. Brush inside of dish and collar with melted butter. Dust with sugar (this adds texture, which helps the souffle climb); tap out excess. Chill dish in freezer 15 minutes.
Stir chocolates in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until smooth. Scald the milk (heat it until it's just about to simmer) in a saucepan over medium heat; remove from heat. Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat 6 tablespoons sugar and the yolks on high until pale, about 4 minutes. On low, beat in flour. Beat in half the hot milk, ladling it in a little at time (this is called tempering and prevents the yolks from scrambling).
Whisk mixture into pan of hot milk; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking. Reduce heat to low; simmer until thick, about 2 minutes. Pour into chocolate. Stir in brandy (if desired), vanilla, and a pinch of salt. (This mixture can be refrigerated, 2 days. Rewarm in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.)
Egg whites are best whipped when they're at room temperature (they attain more volume). Using a balloon whisk, beat whites and a pinch of salt in a copper bowl until foamy. (Or beat with an electric mixer in a stainless-steel bowl with cream of tartar.)
Add 1 tablespoon sugar; beat until whites almost hold stiff peaks. Add remaining tablespoon sugar, and beat until peaks are stiff (meaning they stand straight up when whisk is lifted).
Spoon one-third of egg whites onto base (incorporating in batches prevents them from deflating). Fold them in: Cut through center of mixture with a large rubber spatula, then gently turn spatula over. Rotate bowl a quarter turn; continue folding whites and turning bowl until mostly combined.
Fold remaining whites into base, one-third at a time.
The mixture is ready when the whites are fully incorporated.
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Place on a rimmed baking sheet; this helps you move souffle in and out of oven. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees; bake until set, 20 minutes. Remove collar; serve immediately with creme anglaise if desired