DOWN WITH LOVE + CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ

Using fifty-five sets built on four soundstages (credit: IMDB), this charming and unique movie is like visual candy.

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Starring: Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger

Screenplay by: Eve Ahlert and Dennis Drake

Barbara Novak: “This chocolate soufflé is delicious, Zip. You’ve really outdone yourself.”

Forgotten Chocolate Soufflé (recipe from George Duran: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/forgotten-chocolate-souffle-recipe-1916980)

12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped (I used bittersweet chocolate chips)

1 stick, unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, plus more for greasing

1 vanilla bean, cut lengthwise (I used 3 tsp. vanilla extract instead)

1/4 tsp. salt, plus a pinch for the egg whites

12 tbsp. granulated sugar

5 eggs, separated into yolks and whites, at room temperature for 30 minutes

1/4 c. flour

Put an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 6-cup soufflé dish or casserole.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stirring frequently (or in a microwave-safe glass bowl, microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring well every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth). Cool completely.

Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the cooled chocolate and butter mixture (or add the vanilla extract). Then, add the salt and 6 tbsp. of the sugar. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in the flour.

Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt at high speed until they hold soft peaks. Add the remaining 6 tbsp. sugar, a little at a time, beating until the whites hold stiff glossy peaks.

Whisk about 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten the batter, then fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Pour the batter into the soufflé dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake about 30 to 35 minutes or until the center is still jiggling and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs adhering to it. Serve warm.