Warm Chocolate Puddings

4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 Tbsp sugar
2 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place four 6- to 8-ounce ovenproof bowls on a baking sheet. Set aside.

Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally just until melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat; mix in 2 Tbsp sugar, then egg yolks and vanilla. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Still beating, gradually add remaining to Tbsp sugar; beat until mixture is stiff and glossy.

Using a rubber spatula, mix about 1/3 egg-white mixture into chocolate mixture; gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture just until combined. Divide among bowls. (Pudding can be prepared in advance up to this point; cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 1 day.)

Bake until tops are puffed and cracked but insides are quite soft (a toothpick inserted in center will come out gooey), 20 to 25 minutes, or 25 to 30 minutes if puddings were previously refrigerated. Serve, warm or at room temperature (puddings may sink as they cool), topped wiht ice cream, if desired.

Martha Stewart recipe
Serves 4