I wanted to write something today about empathy and personal responsibility in times of conflict and differing opinions, but after hearing about the death of a wonderful man after routine surgery, I just don’t have it in me. Almost six months after my grandmother’s passing and I am still anxious about the fragility of life. The weigh of that bears down on me to the point of a panic attack out of nowhere sometimes. So today, instead, I am choosing to focus on chocolate.

Like Amy Adam’s character says in Julie and Julia, “You know what I love about cooking? I love that after a day when nothing is sure and when I say nothing, I mean nothing. You can come home and absolutely know that if you add egg yolks to chocolate and sugar and milk, it will get thick. That’s such a comfort.” In this case, it’s comforting if you melt some chocolate, add sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and an egg, you will end up with melty, comforting goodness.

Some nights, especially in the spring or fall, when the nights are cooler and there have been a few days of rain, where you just need cozy, warm, and comforting chocolate. And this recipe is perfect for two servings — or just one if it has been one of those days.

Notes:

Please please please, spend a few extra dollars and get a good quality chocolate bar. I keep a few tucked away to have a square for dessert in the evening sometimes (and to be hidden from my sweet tooth husband).
This is very flexible in terms of the baking dish. It can be made in two small ramekins or one small loaf pan or any other small baking dishes you may have. I have used a disposable mini loaf pan for this numerous times too. Because it bakes at 350 you can also use silicone baking items.
This is also a great recipe to be made in a toaster oven so you don’t have to heat up a whole standard oven for a small little dessert.

Flourless Chocolate Cake for Two

Ingredients

1 1/3 oz Dark Chocolate (roughly chopped)
1/6 cup of butter (about 2.5 tablespoons)
1/4 cup sugar
1/6 cup cocoa powder (about 2.5 tablespoons)
1 egg

To Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
Lightly grease baking dish(es) and line bottom with parchment paper; omit this step if using any silicone dish(es).
On low heat, melt chocolate and butter.
Once melted together, whisk in sugar and remove from heat.
Allow to cool slightly and then whisk in egg followed by cocoa powder.
Pour into the prepared baking dish(es).
Bake for 20ish minutes. Check after 10 mins and then every few minutes after. I like mine slightly undercooked but you can use a toothpick to test doneness if you want to bake all the way through.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream or top with powdered sugar. Or just dive right in with a spoon.

So next time you need a little pick me up, give this quick and simple recipe a try!