- 1/4 cup sugar plus additional for coating ramekins
- 8 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 7 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Accompaniment: creamy caramel sauce
- 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.