The Nest's Hot Chocolate Chip Brownie Sundae Cake

Mrs. Carp's Note:

Wonderful hot brownie cakes from TheNest.com. These are GREAT with ice cream. Perfect all year around! Serve warm or hot!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 cakes

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter , cut into pieces
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate or 1 ounce semisweet chocolate , chopped
• ¾ cup about 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips or 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups and put them on a baking sheet. (The baking sheet makes it easier to move the ramekins in and out of the oven.).
3. Put the butter, unsweetened chocolate, and 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler and place it over, a saucepan of barely simmering water (or the bottom of the double boiler); the water should not touch the bowl.
4. Stir until the butter and chocolate are melted and smooth.
5. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt until thickened and the color lightens, about 1 minute.
7. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing.
8. On low speed, mix in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla until blended.
9. Add the flour, mixing just until it is incorporated.
10. Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins, about a generous 1/3 cup in each.
11. Put 1 tablespoon of the remaining chocolate chips in the center of each. Use your fingers to press the chips lightly into the batter; it is not necessary to cover the chips completely with batter, as they will sink during baking.
12. Bake just until the tops look dry and a crisp top has formed, about 20 minutes.
13. Let cool for about 15 minutes.
14. Top each cake with yur favorite ice cream and enjoy!