Chocolate Fondant :-)

"Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies."

I love that quote because its so so true.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like chocolate. And a chocolate dessert eaten hot is something that I always wanted to make- by that I don't mean heated up brownies with ice cream (Although that is awesome too!!)

Anyway, this weekend my uncle and aunt came down to stay over at my parents place and I really really wanted to try and make something new- and chocolatey!

Now usually, I wouldn't try making something for the first time when someone comes over, but with them, its a different story!

I had once watched Rachel Allen make white chocolate buns and really wanted to try them out, but when I removed them from the oven, to my horror, they had sunk and didn't look like muffins but like some weird valley shaped flat cookies. What was worse- they had stuck to the muffin cups and it was a mission to get them out! I was SO upset- and that was the day my uncle and aunt had come to visit- so I gave them some to taste. I tried to cover up my embarrassment by smiling really wide and making jokes while they both tried one.

It was really cute watching my uncle try to peel off the muffin case from this sad excuse of a bun- but it made me really happy that they were going to try it even though it was such a disaster!!

Anyhow, they had the 'buns' , and to my surprise enjoyed them (I think!!) , saying that I could pretend they were meant to be chewy cookies!

By the end, I was really happy and tried some myself!!

The point is..I'm not afraid anymore to try anything new when they come over because if it does turn out a disaster- I know they won't mind :-)

So this weekend I decided to try out chocolate fondant. After spending the last few weeks watching the second season of Masterchef Australia and watching Callum Hann successfully make these lovely little puddings, I wanted to try it too!!

I searched for the best recipe I could come across and was left with two choices; Gordon Ramsay's (which I doubt anybody could go wrong with) or Nigella Lawson's (molten chocolate babycakes).

I chose Nigella because so far this Domestic Goddess hasn't failed me!!

The batter was really easy to make and I made it a couple of hours before dessert was supposed to be served.

I didn't have individual ramekins so I greased my silicon muffin tray and used that (which was not a problem at all in case anybody wants to try that- just line the bottom of the moulds with baking paper).

I did a test run before making the actual fondants and I have to say I was SO nervous before my 'Taste tester' (the husband) broke into the cake. I was hoping it was cooked perfectly, and sure enough when he sliced it open there ran a puddle of hot melted chocolate!!!

I was sooooooo happy I did a little jig :-D

This recipe was so easy and foolproof!!! (and definitely 100% worth the calories!!) 

Serve with a little vanilla ice cream and Enjoy :-)

Nigella Lawson's Molten Chocolate Babycakes

50 g soft unsalted butter, plus more for greasing

350 g (12 oz) best dark chocolate
150 g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
50 g (1/3 cup) plain flour
6 individual pudding moulds, buttered
Baking parchment

Preheat oven to 200 C/Gas mark 6/400 F; put baking sheet in. Draw around pudding mould on baking parchment and cut out six circles; line bottom of tin with baking parchment.

Melt chocolate and let it cool slightly. Cream together the butter and sugar, and gradually beat in the eggs and salt, then the vanilla. Now add the flour and when all is smoothly combined, scrape in the cooled chocolate, blending it to a smooth batter. Divide the batter between the 6 moulds, quickly whip the baking sheet out of the oven, arrange the little tins on it and replace in the oven. Cook for 10-12 minutes (the extra 2 minutes will be needed if the puddings are fridge-cold when you start). As soon as you take them out of the oven, tip the babycakes onto a small plate or shallow bowl. Serve with whipped cream, crème friche or ice- cream.


-S