This is it. THE chocolate dessert. Our annual Christmas splurge [View all]

[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!