Chocolate Soufflé
Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
4 egg yolks
6 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Pan Preparation: 

Butter for pan
2 tablespoons sugar

Garnish: 

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
fresh berries

Directions: 

1. Prepare a 2 quart baking dish by generously buttering the interior then sprinkling all surfaces with sugar. Tap out the excess sugar. 

2. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water, or in a microwave in 30 second intervals. Cool until it reaches room temperature. 

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Add the egg yolks to the chocolate and stir until thoroughly combined. The mixture will thicken. 

4. Beat the egg whites to the soft peak stage. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the stiff peak stage.

5. Add a quarter of the egg whites to the chocolate and fold until combined and the chocolate lightens in texture. Continue adding the egg whites in three more intervals taking care to maintain loft by folding (instead of stirring). 

6. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and slightly crusted. 

7. While baking, prepare the whipped cream and berries. 

8. Enjoy warm from the oven!