These indulgent chocolate fondants are the perfect dessert to impress your guests this Christmas. With their rich, molten chocolate center and light, airy exterior, they offer a luxurious end to any holiday meal. Simple to make yet elegant on the plate, these fondants pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and a drizzle of double cream, making them a festive treat that everyone will love. If you're looking for a showstopping dessert that's sure to please, this is it!

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate (72% cocoa solids), chopped

• 125g butter, diced

• 2 whole eggs

• 2 egg yolks

• 100g sugar

• 50g plain flour

• Butter and flour for greasing

• Vanilla ice cream, cocoa powder, chopped hazelnuts, and double cream (optional, for serving)

Preparation:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Melt Chocolate and Butter:

  Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water.

  Add diced butter to the chocolate and let them melt together on low heat, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.

• Grease the insides of Dariole moulds (or ramekins) with butter.

• Evenly coat the buttered moulds with flour, then tap off the excess.

• Whisk Eggs and Sugar:

• In a bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 100g of sugar using an electric whisk.

• Whisk until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and thick.

• Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture:

• Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, fold it gently into the egg mixture, being careful to maintain as much air as possible.

• Sift 50g of plain flour into the mixture and carefully fold it in until combined.

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared moulds. Smooth the tops if needed.

• Bake in the preheated oven for around 15 minutes. The fondants should have a set outer layer but still be soft and gooey in the center.

• Let the fondants cool for 2-3 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to release them from the moulds.

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkle with cocoa powder and chopped hazelnuts, and drizzle with double cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Enjoy your beautifully baked chocolate fondants!