Recipe of the Day, MMMMMMMolto, Molten Chocolate Cake

Best described this is an personal chocolate cake with a molten centre.  It is the ultimate holiday chocolate treat. Slightly under-baking the batter makes each cake come out with its own special sauce hidden inside.  Decadent, Delightful, Delish..

Serving: Makes 6-8 cakes

Ingredients

8 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
4 eggs
1/4 cup white or brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
butter for greasing ramekins
white sugar for sprinkling on ramekins
heavy cream, whipped, or ice cream, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

To protect the chocolate from direct heat, melt it and the butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (Bain Marie), gently stirring until they melt together. Remove from the heat and sift in the cocoa powder, stirring until smooth.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the brown sugar and vanilla until they are thick and smooth. Pour in the melted chocolate and stir until smooth.

Rub the inside of each ramekin or muffin mould with butter to make a thin film. Lightly sprinkle each with sugar and shake to coat the inside, shaking out any excess. Evenly divide the cake batter among the ramekins.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the batter rises, the tops are cracked and the insides are still a bit gooey, no more than 10 minutes or it'll just be a really good cake without the surprise centre.

Cool for a few minutes; the cakes will shrink a bit and pull away from the sides. If necessary, run a paring knife around the edges of the cakes to loosen them. Carefully invert onto a plate. Serve with lots of whipped cream or ice cream.

When you make and eat these warm you'll have an out of body experience, guaranteed.

Topkapi Turkish Restaurant "Turk-licious"

Feeling like a bit of romantic reminiscing from a trip I took to Turkey last year I ventured down to Preston Street in Ottawa, which is quickly growing into a foody Mecca, for a lunch of what turned out to be Turkish delight.  Topkapi Restaurant, so named after the famous Topkapi Palace in Turkey was my destination.  The restaurant is elegantly laid out, like a Sultan's tent. The flatware is spotless, napkins neatly folded and fresh, everything is meticulous.  The servers, all ladies wearing white gloves are a nice touch all very polite and attentive.  I even get to try the small amount of Turkish I've learned as they politely humour  me.

I have eaten here before and have never been disappointed.  A bit of a winter chill had me starting with the Ezo Gelin Çorbası or Red lentil soup.  It arrives steaming hot and bright in colour.  The flavour is hearty and rich with just enough heat from pepper to keep it dancing on your tongue after you've emptied the bowl. 

My choice of main is Karışık Izgar Combination of Shish Kebap (lamb), Shish Tavuk (chicken), Kőfte (beef) and Pirzola (lamb chop), served with rice and potatoes.  The rice and potato are well spiced side kicks in this play as the star of the show is #1 the lamb, then the chicken and beef.  All have a wonderful open bbq scent and flavor.  The portions are just right and the prices are fair for the wonderful experience of traditional Turkish fare.  Check with them before you go, reservations may be needed especially on the nights where stunning belly dancing Valkyrie's float around you.  Great fun for a group get together.  Topkapi, 484 Preston Street  Ottawa, ON(613) 230-8828

Nosh with new friends tonight.

Having new friends over for a meet, greet and eat. A little something I put together. Hope they like it?  Wine, of course, Canadian Cheddar, Le Rustique Camembert, Cognac pate, Italian prosciutto, parmesan crisps, almond stuffed green olives, whole grain baguette, red pepper jelly, candied almonds and on the vine clementines.  De-lish.

Public Service Announcement Restaurant Food Safety

A good resource, Restaurant Food and Safety updates can be tweeted directly to you by following  @restowatch  a Twitter account that reports on Ottawa area restaurants found to have Health and Food Safety Deficiencies identified by the Ottawa Health and Food Inspections. 

Brunch in the Village

To be honest I visited the Village Cafe on Richmond Rd a few years ago for lunch and let's just say have not been back since. Today was proof positive that whatever bugs they had have clearly been ironed out. We were promptly seated for brunch in a busy, clean and lively environment. Considering how busy it was service was exceptional and polite. I had the eggs Benny and my partner the frittata. We also shared a goat cheese salad. The quality and freshness were very high and although a lot of food we did a good job of cleaning up. Cafe au laits are good here but a bit pricey. The chef did share his lime honey glaze recipe that covered a wonderfully fresh fruit salad. All in all it wont be as long of a wait before I return for the dinner menu. A neighbourhood treat in the village.

Secret Tip

The secrets to perfect Kraft Dinner, don't over cook the noodles and eat while hot.

MID DECEMBER LOOK FOR.........

I am really excited to be introduced to the offerings of Kinki and Mambo restaurants in the beautiful Byward Market in Ottawa...........stay tuned.