National Chocolate Day

Image from theyummylife.com blog

January 24 was National Chocolate Day. Personally I'm not a huge fan of chocolate. I would rather have some Sweedish Fish or Sour Patch Kids than chocolate but there are times that I do enjoy a nice dark chocolate bar, or a Charleston Chew, or an Almond Joy. My husband on the other hand has a problem. He IS a chocoholic, just like his mom. Chocolate can't be kept in the house because he'll sniff it out and eat it even if it isn't the type of chocolate he likes. I've been looking at Pinterest for some fast and easy ideas for Valentine's day and I came across this recipe for Brownie Lava Cakes. Since they are individual, I won't have to worry about having left-overs and any left-overs can be given away to other chocoholics.

This recipe is really simple and even though it isn't from scratch, I'm still making it for Valentine's Day. What you will need is a brownie mix, eggs, canola oil, water, Dove Chocolate Promises (dark), ramekins/custard cups/mason jars. It is suggested to use Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge mix. The family size will yield 8 cakes so if you want a smaller number, grab a smaller size box. Custard Cups allow you to see what is going on and they make a rounded shape once they come out of the cup unlike ramekins, which will give you a flat bottom.

Pour the Brownie Mix in a bowl and whisk it until all the lumps are out. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, water, and canola oil as suggested on the back of the mix box. Add another egg to what is required for a cake-like texture. (So if it requires 2 eggs, add 3). Mix the egg mixture in with the brownie mix and stir until incorporated and not lumpy. Prepare custard cups/ramekins by spraying with PAM or another type of cooking spray. Dust with dry brownie mix so the outside of the cake won't be white as it would if you used flour. Add 1/2 c of the brownie mixture to the cups/ramekins. Stack 2 Dove Chocolate Promises in the middle of the cup, pushing down through the batter and then use a knife to spread some batter over the tops of the chocolate. Cook in the Microwave, yes Microwave, on full power for 1 minute. Each microwave is different so cook one first and add additional time as needed. You can cook up to 4 cups at the same time just add 30 more seconds per additional cup. Once done cooking, use a knife to go around the edges of the cake to separate it from a jar, and invert over a plate. Some of the brownie and lava might stick to the bottom but you should still get a nice 'volcanic-like' cake. Top with whipped cream and fruit or even more molten lava (chocolate) and enjoy.

If you want, you can use the mason jars (1/2 pint) and just eat out of the jar. I'm planning on doing this since I have a ton of mason jars around and I won't have to worry about washing more dishes.Last year I made individual Chocolate souffles so this will be a fun treat to enjoy on Valentine's Day.