Chocolate-Banana Souffles

I'll tell you that the creaminess of mashed banana makes it possible to eliminate egg yolks from the souffles without sacrificing the texture.

And while the cocoa provides the deep chocolate flavor, a hint of semi-sweet chocolate in the background eliminates that not-quite-right finish of so many other cocoa based desserts.

Yield: 6 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ease of preparation: Moderate

Ingredients;

3 Tbls. sugar, plus some extra for preparing souffle dishes.

2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped.

2 tsp. instant espresso powder or instant coffee.

2 tsp vanilla extract.

1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process.

3 Tbls. cornstarch.

1/4 tsp. salt.

1/2 c. mashed ripe banana (1 large).

1/4 c. packed light brown sugar.

1/4 c. low-fat milk.

5 large egg whites.

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar.

Confectioners' sugar for dusting.

Preparation;

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Lightly oil six 6-ounce (3/4-c.) individual souffle dishes or ramekins or you can coat them with non-stick spray.

Dust with sugar, turning to coat, and tapping out the excess.

Set aside.

2. Melt chocolate over barely simmering water or in the microwave.

Dissolve espresso powder (or instant coffee) in vanilla in a small bowl.

3. Sift cocoa, cornstarch and salt into a large bowl.

Add banana, brown sugar and milk, whisking to blend.

Add melted chocolate and the coffee mixture and blend well.

4. Place egg whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl.

Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until frothy.

Add cream of tartar increasing the speed to medium and whip until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and beat on medium-high until the whites hold stiff, but not dry, peaks.

5. Whisk one-fourth of the egg whites into chocolate mixture.

Gently but quickly, fold in the remaining whites with a rubber spatula.

Spoon into the prepared souffle dishes or ramekins.

6. Bake until souffles are well puffed and browned, but still jiggle slightly when shaken, 15 to 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and sift a little confectioners' sugar over the top.

Serve your chocolate-banana decadent delight immediately.

Nutritional Information

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings