- 3 tablespoons sugar, plus extra for preparing souffle dishes
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- 5 large egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Confectioner's sugar for dusting
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) individual souffle dishes or ramekins or coat them with nonstick spray. Dust with sugar, turning to coat, and tapping out the excess. Set aside.
- Melt chocolate over barely simmering water or in the microwave. Dissolve espresso powder (or instant coffee) in vanilla in a small bowl.
- 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.
- Place egg whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until frothy. Add cream of tartar; increase 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.
- 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.
- Bake until souffles are well puffed and browned, but still jiggle slightly when shaken, 15 to 25 minutes, or. Remove from the oven and sift a little confectioners' sugar over the top. Serve immediately.