Chocolate Ricotta Souffles Recipes

CHEF JOHN'S CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Brush bottom and sides of 2 (5-ounce) ramekins lightly with 1 teaspoon melted butter; cover bottom and sides right up to the rim. Add 1 tablespoon white sugar to ramekins. Rotate ramekins until sugar coats all surfaces. Pour off extra sugar.
• Place chocolate pieces in a metal mixing bowl. Place bowl over a pan of about 3 cups hot water over low heat. Do not let water boil or come to a simmer.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour. Whisk until flour is incorporated into butter and mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cold milk until mixture becomes smooth and thickens, 2 or 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Transfer mixture to bowl with melted chocolate. Add salt and very small pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix together thoroughly. Add egg yolk and mix to combine. Leave bowl above the hot (not simmering) water to keep chocolate warm while you whip the egg whites.
• Place 2 egg whites in a mixing bowl; add cream of tartar. Whisk until mixture begins to thicken and a drizzle from the whisk stays on the surface about 1 second before disappearing into the mix, 2 or 3 minutes. Add 1/3 of sugar and whisk in. Whisk in a bit more sugar about 15 seconds; whisk in the rest of the sugar. Continue whisking until mixture is about as thick as shaving cream and holds soft peaks, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer a little less than half of egg whites to chocolate. Mix until egg whites are thoroughly incorporated into the chocolate, 1 or 2 minutes. Add the rest of the egg whites; gently fold into the chocolate with a spatula, lifting from the bottom and folding over. Stop mixing after the egg white disappears. Divide mixture between 2 prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated oven until scuffles are puffed and have risen above the top of the rims, 12 to 15 minutes.

HERBED RICOTTA SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees and position rack in lower third. Butter a one-quart casserole dish and dust with flour, shaking out excess. In a bowl, whisk ricotta, egg yolks, salt, and herbs. Season with pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk whites until stiff peaks form. Working in two batches, gently fold whites with a large rubber spatula into ricotta mixture until just combined.
• Pour mixture into prepared dish and bake until puffed, golden brown, and firm to the touch, 30 to 32 minutes.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES

Steps:

• Brush 6 (6-ounce) ramekins with soft butter, then coat with sugar. Put the prepared ramekins in the freezer. (This can be done a day ahead.)
• Set an oven rack in lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Put the chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.
• Combine the egg yolks and warm water in the bowl of a standing mixer or large bowl and beat until frothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, and continue beating until ribbons form, about 5 minutes. Very lightly fold the yolks into the chocolate mixture. (Rinse the bowl well, if using for beating the egg whites.)
• Remove prepared ramekins from freezer. Put the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer, or large non-reactive bowl, add the lemon juice. Beat on medium until frothy; then gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and increase speed to high. Beat until the whites hold a stiff but not dry peak.
• Working quickly, fold about a third of the egg whites into the chocolate to lighten; then fold in remaining whites until blended. Gently ladle or spoon the souffle mixture into the ramekins, and place on a baking sheet. (Level off the surface with a straight edge, scraping any excess mixture back into the bowl.)
• Immediately bake until the souffle rises about 1 1/2 inches from the ramekins, and the tops are touched with brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
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WHIPPED CHOCOLATE RICOTTA

Steps:

• Combine the ricotta cheese, cocoa powder, and sweetner (to taste) in a bowl. Beat or stir together for about 2-4 minutes. Stir in the chocolate chips or other add-ins. Eat!

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLéS FOR TWO

Steps:

• For the chocolate soufflés: Set an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Brush two 6- or 8-ounce ramekins with 1 tablespoon of the butter, then coat with 2 tablespoons of the sugar.
• Bring a small pot or saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water to a simmer over medium-low heat. In a small heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the bowl on top of the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is melted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Separate the eggs and put the whites into a medium bowl. Add the egg yolks and vanilla to the chocolate mixture and whisk well to incorporate.
• Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, cream of tartar and salt to the medium bowl with the egg whites and whip to medium-stiff peaks with an electric hand mixer.
• Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, mixing until incorporated, but trying not to overmix, which can deflate the egg whites.
• Gently divide the mixture between the prepared ramekins. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until the soufflés rise about 1 inch over the top edge of the ramekin, about 30 minutes. Try not to open the oven door - use your oven light to check their progress.
• While the soufflés bake, make the raspberry coulis.
• For the raspberry coulis: In a small saucepan, stir together the raspberries and sugar and cook over medium heat until the berries completely break down, 5 to 7 minutes. Strain the coulis to remove the seeds and reserve.
• Serve the soufflés immediately with the raspberry coulis.

CHOCOLATE RICOTTA MOUSSE

Steps:

• Place chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
• Combine melted chocolate, ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract in a blender; blend until smooth. Pour into dessert cups or glasses and let chill completely.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a heavy-duty jellyroll pan 10 by 15 inches. Line the bottom of the pan with wax paper, allowing it to extend about two inches past the ends. Butter the paper.
• Combine 9 ounces of the chocolate with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the espresso powder and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of the boiling water in the top of a double boiler. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
• Beat the egg yolks until very thick and light. Gradually beat in the sugar. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture and set aside.
• Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, by hand in a copper bowl if possible, until they form peaks but are still of a creamy consistency. Do not overbeat. Stir one-quarter of this mixture into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest.
• Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake about 20 minutes, until puffy and beginning to shrink from the sides of the pan. The surface will also have lost its sheen and will spring back when touched lightly. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a rack for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, dissolve the remaining 4 tablespoons espresso in the remaining tablespoon of boiling water. Stir until syrupy, then refrigerate.
• Beat the cream in a chilled bowl until thick, like sour cream, but not yet stiff. Sift in the confectioner's sugar, beating, then the cooled espresso. Refrigerate.
• Place remaining chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Stir when melted. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Add the oil, stir; set aside.
• To assemble the cake dust the top with half of the cocoa. Gently warm the bottom of the jellyroll pan by holding it over a low burner, moving it around. Cover the pan with a large flat baking sheet, invert the pan and the baking sheet together. Hold down the wax paper and lift off the jellyroll pan. Carefully peel off the wax paper. Dust the cake very lightly with the remaining cocoa.
• Cut the cake in four equal portions crosswise. Using two broad spatulas, lift one of the portions onto a serving dish. Gently spread with some of the chilled espresso cream. Top with another portion of the cake, spread with more of the cream, add another cake layer, more cream, then the final cake layer. If any of the cake sections crack slightly while being transferred, don't worry. Icing will cover the flaws. Remove any excess cream from the sides of the cake with a spatula.
• Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes.
• Mask the exposed parts of the platter with pieces of foil or wax paper, slipping them just under the edges of the cake.
• If the glaze has set, warm it gently until it is fairly liquid. Pour about three-quarters of the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the top and cover the sides with the remaining glaze. Pat the toasted almonds all over the sides of the cake. Remove the protective paper or foil from the platter. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
• Cut the cake with a thin knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry.

LEMON VANILLA RICOTTA SOUFFLE - SOUTH BEACH PHASE 1

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Lightly coat 4 (4 ounce) ramekins with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg yolks, 1 TBSP of sugar substitute, lemon zest, lemon extract and vanilla extracts.
• In another small bowl with an electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; approximately 2-3 minutes. Gradually add remaining 2 TBSP sugar substitute and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold egg whites into ricotta mixture; just until combined.
• Spoon ricotta mixture into ramekins. Bake until souffles have risen, are set and lightly browned; approximately 15 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

NEVER-FAIL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine cocoa and cornstarch thoroughly.
• Add a little of the cream and whisk to make a smooth paste.
• Whisk in remaining cream and the liqueur.
• I have made this with Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Chambord and brandy-- they're all good.
• If you use the evaporated milk instead of cream, expect the mixture to be pretty soupy.
• In a large bowl, beat egg whites until almost stiff.
• Slowly beat in sugar and beat until stiff and glossy.
• Now gently whisk a quarter of the egg whites into the cocoa mixture.
• Gently fold in another quarter.
• Now add all this mixture into the remainder of the egg whites and gently fold until well blended.
• Spoon the souffle batter into 6-to-8 1/2-cup sized custard cups.
• The volume you get will depend on how well you beat the egg whites and if you folded them into the cocoa mixture without deflating them too much.
• Don't worry, even if you only get 6 they will be wonderful.
• Set custard cups into a deep baking pan and carry this to the oven.
• Open oven, pull out rack, and set down pan.
• Now pour very hot tap water in the baking pan to come up about one-inch around the outside of the custard cups.
• (I do it this way so I don't have to carry the pan with the souffles and water to the oven-- it's heavy and you risk sloshing water into your souffles.) Slide in oven rack, close oven door and bake for 25 minutes.
• The centres will be a little runny, as they should be.
• Serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES WITH CREAMY CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Butter six 1-cup ramekins (4 by 2 inches) and coat with sugar, knocking out excess sugar.
• Finely chop chocolate. In a small saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add cream and bring just to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, stirring until smooth. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and stir in yolks.
• In another large bowl with an electric mixer beat whites with cream of tartar and a pinch salt until they just hold stiff peaks. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until just combined. Stir one fourth whites into chocolate mixture to lighten and fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
• Divide soufflé mixture among ramekins and smooth tops with a knife. Run tip of knife around edges of soufflés to aid rising. Soufflés may be made up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, loosely wrapped in plastic wrap.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Bake soufflés on a baking sheet in lower third of oven until puffed and surfaces are cracked, about 20 minutes.
• Top soufflés with sauce and serve immediately.

SWEET RICOTTA WITH CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Put ricotta in a large fine sieve set over a large bowl; let drain 20 minutes. Discard liquid. Transfer ricotta to a serving bowl. Stir in sugar until smooth. Fold in chocolate. Ricotta mixture can be refrigerated, covered, up to 8 hours. Stir in nuts or raisins, if desired, before serving. Serve with biscotti and fruit.

RICOTTA SOUFFLéS WITH BLACKBERRY COMPOTE

Steps:

• Whisk 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and flour in large bowl. Add egg yolks and lemon peel; whisk to blend.
• Bring milk just to simmer in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk hot milk into yolk mixture. Return mixture to same saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute, whisking constantly (pastry cream will be thick). Spread pastry cream out to 1/3-inch thickness on small rimmed baking sheet. Cover completely with plastic wrap. Cool to room temperature. Transfer pastry cream to medium bowl. Whisk in ricotta. Cover and chill until cold, about 1 hour.
• Bring blackberries, vermouth, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup sugar to boil in small saucepan, crushing some berries and stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until mixture thickens and measures 1 cup, about 8 minutes. Transfer blackberry compote to small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill.
• Butter six 1/2-cup ramekins; coat with sugar, tapping out any excess. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 6 tablespoons sugar; continue beating until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites into ricotta mixture. Spoon batter into ramekins; smooth tops. Run thumb 1/4 inch deep around inside edge of each soufflé dish to wipe clean. do ahead Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake soufflés until puffed and golden at edges, about 28 minutes (about 32 minutes if chilled). Serve immediately with blackberry compote.