Smoky Chocolate Souffle

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**Adapted from Kenzi’s “Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake” on the Food52 website.**

Smoky Chocolate Souffle

Equipment/Tools

medium to large microwaveable bowl (large enough to beat 3-4 quarts of batter)
balloon whisk or hand mixer with a whisk attachment
souffle dish at 7 inches in diameter
parchment paper
optional – small (tablespoon) cookie scoop to help measure the bacon fat

Ingredients

7 ounces best-quality dark chocolate, in pieces (I only had 60% at the time, I suggest using at least 70%.)
4 ounces bacon fat (I suggest using 2-3 ounces unless you love bacon as much as I do.)
3 ounces unsalted European-style butter (I suggest using the difference from the bacon fat to total 7 ounces.)
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs at room temperature
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons raw sugar
Cajeta (goats milk caramel) to serve

Directions

  • Heat the oven to 375º F, and butter your souffle dish. Using the parchment paper, create a collar for the souffle’s sides to climb, then butter it also.
  • Put the chocolate pieces, bacon fat, and butter into the bowl and microwave in 15-second increments until almost melted, enough that the rest will melt when stirred.
  • Using the whisk or hand mixer with the whisk attachment, add the sugar, stir to combine, and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Add the 5 eggs one at time, beating very well after each addition. The batter should start to get bulky from the air whipped into it.
  • Mix in the cocoa powder.
  • Pour batter into the prepared dish, sprinkle the raw sugar on top, and bake for 15 minutes.
  • CRITICAL: At any time, do NOT open the oven door, or the souffle will fall.
  • Lower the temperature to 325º F, and bake for about another 15 minutes.
  • Slowly take the souffle out of the oven. (It may deflate in the process, but will still taste amazing.)
  • Carefully remove collar and serve individually with a half cup of cajeta, or let guests serve themselves with hefty spoonfuls from the dish while pouring cajeta into each plate.
A peek inside the finished smoky chocolate souffle
A peek inside the finished smoky chocolate souffle