This is it. THE chocolate dessert. Our annual Christmas splurge

[NRaleighLiberal]

(psst...it is EZ).

If you try this, you will love me forever for passing this along



Chocolate Charlotte

8 oz good quality dark chocolate (we use Lindt Excellence or Scharffenberger 62 or 70%), coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
(1 tbsp via instant coffee - optional)
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup boiling water
4 lg eggs at room temp
2 sticks of butter, softened (room temp)
1 tbsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350

Pam spray bottom and sides of a 10 cup souffle type dish or glass bowl (at least 4-5 inches deep)

In a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade, combine the chocolate, sugar, coffee (if you use it) and salt - run the processor to grind it all fine.

With the motor running, add the hot water -process 15 seconds or so until melted.

Add the eggs, pulse until mixed - then the butter and vanilla - pulse again until all mixed.

Scrape the mix into the prepared bowl or dish - bake 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick into the center comes out clean. It will rise up, then collapse a bit into the center - no worries. Let it cool, then refrigerate until well chilled (best to do the day before).

Prepare whipped cream using 2 cups cream, 2 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla - whip until quite stiff.

Have either some fresh raspberries for the presentation, or make a quick raspberry coulis from fresh or frozen raspberries (we liquify in a chopper with a tbsp of sugar and tbsp of lemon juice, then press through a sieve). Have some unsweetened cocoa handy.

To serve...immerse an ice cream scoop or large spoon in hot water - scoop out a ball of the chocolate charlotte and place in the center of a plate. Put the whipped cream into a pastry bag and pipe in small stars over the chocolate ball, covering entirely. dust with cocoa, and drizzle the raspberry coulis around the dessert at the edge of the plate to taste - or arrange fresh raspberries around the periphery.

This is an intense chocolate cloud of joy! And due to the egg/butter/chocolate/cream content, perfect for that one big event dessert splurge!

[csziggy]

1. I gained five pounds just by reading the recipe!

That sounds luscious!

Recipe saved, but I may never make it because it is so rich.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. Small portions are the key!

also why we only make it once per year!

[housewolf]

4. Remember, DU3 is going to be purged when we go live

Last edited Sun Dec 11, 2011, 05:54 PM - Edit history (1)

If you bookmarked the recipe here, you might think about another way of saving it.


Edited to add:
Actually, DU3 isn't being purged, all our posts remain live here.

[housewolf]

3. That sounds heavenly!

Would love to try a bite.


I doesn't sound nearly as 'bad' as the chocolate mouse cake I used to make similar ingredients list with the addition of whipped cream and a chocolate cookie crumb crust.

[freshwest]

5. Occupy NRaleighLiberal's Kitchen! Umm, good!

Keep 'em coming, you are an expert.

[NRaleighLiberal]

10. Now that would be fun!

Reminds me of the great foodie movies - Babette's Feast or Big Night. Some serious food occupation going on!

[pinto]

6. Sounds great...

Having family over Christmas Eve. A simple early dinner - might pull this off just for the wow factor.

[wildeyed]

7. Mmmmm....

And gluten free too

[Phentex]

8. What's the texture? Mousse?

fudgey? cakey?

It sounds delicious but I am not sure small portion and chocolate can be understood by anyone in my family.

[NRaleighLiberal]

9. It is remarkably cakey - kind of like a torte.

But light as a feather. Seriously unique and decadent. Quite orgasmic. Seriously - hard core chocolate foodie material.

[Phentex]

14. Fine. I'm in!

especially if I can make it a day ahead of time.

Thanks for the recipe!

How many does it serve?

[Denninmi]

11. I bet if you used some coffee or espresso instead of the plain water

that would be a nice addition.

[NRaleighLiberal]

12. the option is to add some instant coffee or espresso granules - so yes.

we've tried it both ways. Like it better with our chocolate straight up! (works better with the raspberries, we think)....

[tammywammy]

13. That sounds delicious!

[Lucinda]

15. Mmmm.

Sounds really wonderful. Going to copy this one for sure!

[GardeningGal]

16. It looks great!

About how many does it serve?

[NRaleighLiberal]

17. hmm - depends how many true chocoaholics! I would say at least 8, up to 12.....

[Luciferous]

18. Sounds good, I'll have to try it!

[NRaleighLiberal]

19. bumping this up - because it is nearly the big day...I am making this on Saturday...

the big star of our Sunday meal!

If anyone tries it, let me know what you think....after you recover from your Christmas food coma!

[Phentex]

20. How many will this serve?

I am planning to make it on the 24th to eat xmas day.

Thanks!

[NRaleighLiberal]

21. it is really rich - I am thinking 10-12 easily

[Phentex]

22. Good. Two teens, one chocoholic...

and a very sensible eating spouse. Yum!