This winter has been brutal for all of us! The ups and down of temperatures, ice one day and sunny the next. Just makes someone want to burrow down and not come out till April. Well, this week is Valentine’s and I have come up with 2 recipes that are 100% snuggle worthy! Actually this weather is perfect for me to experiment in my kitchen…so with a red velvet cake mix and a dream, I cake up with this little dandy of a dessert.
Sweetheart Red Velvet Lava Cakes
1 package red velvet cake mix, prepared according to package
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
vanilla ice cream
Strawberries or Raspberries
chocolate syrup
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can use either a muffin pan or small ramekins for the lava cakes. Make sure and butter the interiors well and then place a teaspoon of granulated sugar in each cup. Tip the cup as to allow the sugar to coat the inside. This allows the lava cakes to pop right out.
In either a small saucepan or a small bowl melt the chocolate chips. Be careful not to scorch them. Pour in the whipping cream and stir till well combined. Place in the refrigerator to set up for 30 minutes.
To make lava cakes: Fill each cup 1/2 full with red velvet batter. Place a small scoop of chocolate ganache in the center. Top with an additional tablespoon of red velvet batter. Spread to seal in the chocolate. Bake for 13-17 minutes or until cake puffs. Remove from oven. Run a knife around the edge of the cups and then invert onto a plate. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with berries.
Vanilla Bean White Chocolate Hot Cocoa
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 vanilla bean
3 cups milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
In a saucepan, place the milk, whipping cream and the inside of the vanilla bean as well as the husk, and nutmeg. (see notes) Simmer till steaming. Add in the white chocolate chips and stir till melted. Remove the vanilla bean husks. Pour into mugs and then top with heart shaped marshmallows and Valentine sprinkles.
Note: To remove vanilla bean seeds, simply slice the bean lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scrape the seeds out from the insides.