These easy desserts have been favorites in classes. Recently they were featured at a local retailer in frozen form to just heat in the microwave oven and serve. I thought why not make them yourself and then enjoy as a special treat in the weeks to come. They bake easily in the silicone cups. The cups require no greasing and the desserts can be frozen in the cups or removed before freezing. Make up a batch or two on a cool day and surprise and wow family and friends in the weeks ahead.  

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES  

6 tablespoons butter 
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream, if desired 

1. MICROWAVE (100%) butter and chocolate in microwave-safe bowl 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Stir until chocolate is melted. 

2. Preheat Microwave-Convection oven to 400 degrees. Stir sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Add flour and salt. Stir or whisk just until smooth. Place 4 large silicone baking cups on low rack. Divide batter among cups, filling about 2/3 full. 

3. CONVECTION-BAKE at 400 degrees for 11 to 12 minutes or until edges are set and center is soft. Cool completely. If desired, remove from cups. Place in freezer bag; refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.   

4. To serve, remove from cups if necessary. Place each in microwave dish. Warm refrigerated desserts by microwaving 15 to 20 seconds for each cup. OR, warm frozen desserts by microwaving 30 to 40 seconds for each cup. If desired, cut in half; serve with sweetened ice cream or ice cream.      

About 4 Large or 8 Regular Servings 

TIPS  

>Desserts can be cooked in 6 to 8 regular-sized silicone cups. Place cups on Teflon coated baking round on wire rack. Reduce time to 8 to 9 minutes. With this size, each makes a serving. Reduce heating time to 10 to 12 seconds for refrigerated; or 20 to 25 seconds for frozen.  

>When not using silicone, be sure to grease and flour custard cups.  

>Use these for fun hostess gifts. Wrap in plastic and tie with a pretty bow; add directions for warming before serving.