Chocolate Soufflés

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Coat the interiors of six 7.75-ounce soufflé dishes completely with some of the butter. Refrigerate until the butter is cold and set about 2 minutes. Brush a second coating of butter over the interiors of the dishes. Coat the interiors completely with sugar. Place the dishes on a baking sheet.

Using an electric mixer beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they are foamy. Gradually beat in 1/3 cup of sugar. Continue beating until the egg whites are shiny and form medium-soft peaks when the beaters are lifted.

Meanwhile stir the chopped chocolate in a large bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the water and cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Fold a fourth of the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture. Fold in the remaining egg white mixture (the mixture will resemble chocolate mousse).

Divide the soufflé batter equally among the prepared soufflé dishes. Using a large knife level the filling flush to the top of the dishes. Using a clean cloth wipe the very top edges of the dishes.

Bake the soufflés on the baking sheet until they puff but are still moist in the center about 12 minutes. Serve immediately.