Chocolate Liqueur Souffles

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly grease four ramekins with softened butter. (2 minutes)

Coat with granulated sugar, tapping out any excess. (1 minute)

In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Set aside. (2 minutes)

In a separate small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of butter and flour to form a smooth paste (beurre manié). Set aside. (2 minutes)

Lightly whisk one egg yolk in a heatproof bowl. Set aside. (1 minute)

Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it just reaches a simmer. (5 minutes)

Whisk in the beurre manié until melted and smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk into the whisked egg yolk in a steady stream, whisking constantly to temper the egg. (3 minutes)

Return the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the custard thickens, about 1 minute. (2 minutes)

Remove from heat, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining three egg yolks with vanilla extract, chocolate liqueur, and the cocoa powder-cornstarch mixture. Whisk in the warm custard until well combined. Cover and set aside. (8 minutes)

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip egg whites until they are thick and foamy and have quadrupled in volume. Gradually mix in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, whipping until egg whites are stiff but not dry. (5 minutes)

Fold 1/3 of the meringue into the custard mixture to lighten it, using a whisk or rubber spatula. Gently fold in the remaining meringue until just combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture. (5 minutes)

Immediately transfer the soufflé batter into the prepared ramekins, making a smooth mound slightly above the rim of each ramekin. (3 minutes)

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the soufflés have risen dramatically and the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. (25 minutes)

Serve immediately, with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce, if desired.