KP and I were taken out to dinner at Tanglewood for our anniversary (6th!) by KP’s parents Ralph and Marilyn. For dessert, the four of us split a dark chocolate lava cake, which was perhaps 3 inches in diameter. It was delicious and also no where near enough. I decided in that moment that there was no reason why I could not learn to make these myself (and for probably a lot less than $7 each). Last night, wonderful relatives Lynn and Susan from California were at KP’s parents’ house for dinner, following a spectacular visit to the Ballard Locks with Grandma Alice (pictured in the center, age 95 and looking darling as ever!)
Their visit was the perfect excuse to break out the semi-sweet chocolate squares. For a first pitch, these were a hit out of the park. 
My Molten Lava Cake Attempt #1
Adapted from Brandielle, at the Tasty Kitchen
4 pieces (squares) Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate
½ cups Butter
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 whole Eggs
2 whole Egg Yolks
6 Tablespoons Flour
1/2 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Grease 4 ramikens with olive oil and place on cookie sheet. (Silly sidenote, when I first read the word “ramiken” I was sure it was a Tolkien character. No, it actually looks like this: (I bought a pack of 4 at Safeway for $8—I figured it was a worthy investment since I plan to make these now every night.)
Microwave chocolate and butter in large bowl on high for about 1 minute, until butter is melted. whisk until chocolate is also melted.
Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour.
Divide between cups.
Bake 13-14 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand 1 minute.
Invert onto a plate, and top with whipped cream, ice cream, or sprinkle with powdered sugar as you like!
This was the Tanglewood cake that gave me the inspiration: 
I can’t believe how perfect these came out on the first try. This must mean it is a fool proof recipe. We served them with vanilla ice cream. Because I made the special purchase of the ramekins, I feel (to get my money’s worth) I must make a few more molten lava cakes (to see which recipe is the best). Best challenge I’ve ever made to myself.
Hmm…those look yummy. What are those little decorations on the restaurant plate made of??? Veddy artsy. Thank you..this is my new goto dessert…and I am ramekinless!
I found a pack of four Pyrex ramikens at Safeway for 8 bucks. You MUST try– so fast and SUPER tasty. The decorations on the plate, besides the cream sauce, were halved cherries.