Today, January 27, happens to be National Chocolate Cake Day! Dig out from “ThunderSnowcalypse 2011” with Morton’s The Steakhouse’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake!

Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the souffle cup
• Granulated sugar
• 12 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 8 large egg yolks, plus 7 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 18 fresh raspberries
• 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter six 6-ounce soufflé cups and sprinkle each with granulated sugar. Tap out the excess sugar.
2. In the top of a double broiler set over barely simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together. Remove the top of the double broiler pan from the heat. 
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and set on low speed, beat the egg yolks and eggs for about 2 minutes, or until light and smooth. With the mixer running, pour the melted chocolate into the bowl and mix for about 2 minutes longer.
4. Put the confectioners’ sugar and flour in a fine-mesh sieve and sprinkle into the chocolate mixture. With the mixer on medium speed, beat for 30 seconds, or until well mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared soufflé cups, leaving about ¼ inch of space below the rim. Set the soufflé cups on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and about 1 inch higher than the rim. The centers will be soft but not sticky.
6. Remove the cakes from the oven and immediately invert each onto a serving plate. Remove the cup and garnish each plate with three raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For more Morton’s recipes checkout the "Morton's The Cookbook: 100 Steakhouse Recipes for Every Kitchen" written by Klaus Fritsch, Morton's co-founder, along with Tylor Field III, Morton's Vice President of Wine and Spirits, and Mary Goodbody, nationally known food writer and cookbook editor.

Also, Morton’s is participating in Baltimore Restaurant Week through Sunday. And, don’t forget! It’s not too early to make your Valentine’s Day reservations (Morton’s is celebrating all weekend long, February 11 -14 --- more info forthcoming). Call 410-547-8255 or click here to make reservations.

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