Queso Cornbread Lava Cakes Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare and bake 2, 4 or 6 lava cakes according to the package directions. Have ready one or more of the following toppings:
• Spun Sugar: Combine 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup and 1/4 cup water in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Cook to 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Let cool to 275 degrees F. Position 2 wooden spoons 2 feet apart on similar-size bowls with their handles sticking out over the edge by 6 inches. Put newspaper or foil on the counter below the spoons. Dip a fork in the sugar syrup and flick it back and forth over the spoon handles to create many long thin threads. Repeat 3 or 4 times, then gently gather up the threads and put them on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sugar until all of it is spun. Place each lava cake in the middle of a serving plate, dust with confectioners' sugar and top with some of the spun sugar.
• Cherry Sauce: Combine 2 cups (about 8 ounces) pitted fresh cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cherry liqueur, such as Luxardo, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the cherries are very soft, about 10 minutes. Puree in a blender and pour through a fine-mesh strainer; discard any solids left in the strainer. Transfer to a squeeze bottle and chill until ready to use (up to 1 day). Squeeze cherry sauce dots all over each serving plate and place a lava cake in the middle. Top with French vanilla ice cream and serve with a couple of fresh cherries.
• S'mores: Place each lava cake in the middle of a serving plate. Top with about 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme and use a kitchen blowtorch to toast the creme until golden. Insert a square of dark chocolate and a shard of graham cracker in the creme.
• Coffee Whipped Cream: Combine 1/2 cup cold heavy cream and 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Kahlua, in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Place each lava cake in the middle of a serving plate and sprinkle with unsweetened cocoa and confectioners' sugar. Top with the flavored whipped cream and several chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Steps:

• Make the queso: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, processed American cheese, butter, and Monterey Jack cheese and mix with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and combined. Add the drained pico de gallo and mix with a rubber spatula to incorporate.
• Using a ¼ cup measure, scoop out 4 heaping portions of the queso onto the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours, up to overnight, until completely hardened.
• Make the lava cakes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange 4 10-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet. Grease with nonstick spray and dust each with 1 tablespoon of flour, rotating until the ramekins are well coated and tapping out any excess.
• In a large bowl, stir together the remaining cup of flour, the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, canola oil, egg, chives, and chipotles with a rubber spatula until well combined.
• Fill each ramekin with 2 tablespoons of the batter and place 1 frozen queso ball in the centers, making sure to keep at least ¼ inch of space between the queso and the sides of the ramekin. Divide the remaining batter between the ramekins.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown on the top. Let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto plates.
• Garnish each lava cake with a dollop of sour cream, chorizo crumbles, a cilantro leaf, and a drizzle of hot sauce, then serve immediately.
• Enjoy!