12 teaspoons plus 5 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened or semisweet)
chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
Generously butter eight 3/4-cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. Sprinkle inside of each dish with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Stir chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat. Using electric mixer, beat eggs, egg yolks, and remaining 5 tablespoons sugar in large bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 8 minutes. Fold 1/3 of warm chocolate mixture into egg mixture, then fold in remaining chocolate. Fold in flour. Divide batter among soufflé dishes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic; chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place soufflé dishes on baking sheet. Bake cakes uncovered until edges are puffed and slightly cracked but center 1-inch of each moves slightly when dishes are shaken gently, about 13 minutes.
Serve immediately, topped with ice cream, if desired.
