Molten Orange Chocolate Lava Cakes

7 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces dark chocolate
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs

Use one tablespoon of butter to butter the inside walls and bottom of six 4-ounce mason jars or ramekins. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together. Remove from the heat and stir in the Grand Marnier and the orange zest. Sift in sugar, flour, and salt, and stir to mix. Using an electric beater, beat in the eggs one at a time, then continue beating for about 3 minutes, until the chocolate turns a slightly lighter shade of brown.

Fill jars with about 1/3 cup batter each. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400º F. Remove the jars from the refrigerator and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the top is set in the center, but still slightly wobbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.


Makes 6 cakes.