I’ve been on this chocolate kick lately, devouring everything chocolate in front of me. To celebrate my Tea Sommelier Certification, Mom treated me to dessert and wine a few nights ago. I ordered one of my favorites, the chocolate lava cake! Chocolate Lava Cakes are so called because the center of the cake is a thick liquid chocolate and oozes out when cut, like molten lava. While eating that last bite and feeling guilty, my brain was working on creating an antioxidant-rich Chocolate Lava Cake using ONO tea. Matcha tea is known for its weight loss and fat burning qualities so maybe it will do its job as we we eat this sinfully delicious dessert. I incorporated ONO Matcha tea into the cake batter and into the chocolate center to give it the extra antioxidant, fat burning power. The chocolate flavor is pretty intense (especially if you use bittersweet), so I like to serve it with Mighty Athena Creme Anglaise….vanilla beans, green tea, and strawberries…..yummy!  These make a great surprise dessert and, although pretty simple to make, will delight Mom on Mother’s Day! 

* These cakes are super easy to make but require the perfect timing. One minute too much or too little makes a huge difference. My first batch cooked for one minute too long, the second one maybe thirty seconds. When I was done with the third and fourth batches, I had found the ideal cooking time. Since every oven is a little different, I suggest you test out a couple before making it for your loved ones. You can check with a toothpick after a few minutes of baking. Of course you get to eat the experimental desserts….YUMMY!

Filling: This should be done the day before or a few hours before to allow the chocolate to get firm.

6 ounces of dark semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)

4.5 ounces heavy cream

3 tsp butter

2 tsp ONO Matcha

1) Heat the chocolate, heavy cream, Matcha in a double boiler and whisk until smooth.  Add the butter and whisk until incorporated.

2) Place in small silicone molds. then refrigerate to cool. Reserve until they are ready to be used.

Mighty Athena Creme Anglaise:

ONO Mighty Athena Creme Anglaise

¾ cup whole milk

¼ cup heavy cream

1 vanilla bean

3 egg yolks

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp ONO Mighty Athena

1. Vertically cut the vanilla bean in half to expose the beans.

2. Combine milk and cream in a small heavy saucepan. Add the cut vanilla bean and Mighty Athena tea.

3. Heat on medium until it just starts to lightly bubble on the sides. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl.

4. Slowly pour about 1/4 C of the hot milk mixture into the eggs and sugar, whisking constantly. Now slowly pour the egg, sugar, and hot milk mixture back into the rest of the milk, whisking constantly.

5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and place back on the stove. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon.

6. Remove and strain into a bowl. Take the vanilla bean out and scrape all the beans out with a spoon and add to the strained mixture. You can chill in an ice bath or in the refrigerator until ready to use. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. This makes about 1 cup.