1 stick unsalted butter - half pack
4oz plain cooking chocolate - coarsely grated
4 medium eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar - if you're using milk chocolate, then use less sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup pecan or walnut pieces (optional) - you can even put more chocolate chip..:)
Preheat oven to 170C
Melt the butter and chocolate - double boiler OR microwave (1minute each time, stir in between)
Set aside to cool
In separate bowl, beat the eggs until the color lightens and the mixture becomes frothy (lighter color)
Gradually add the sugar, salt and vanilla extract and continue beating until thick and creamy
With a rubber spatula, quickly fold the cool chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift the flour onto the batter, then stir it in.
Stir in nuts (if using)
Bake into muffin cups for about 20 minutes (depends on the oven - test it)
You can insert a clean toothpick into the center of the muffin. If it comes out clean, with no traces of uncooked batter sticking to it, the muffins are done.
Cool on wire rack.
