Dark Chocolate Souffle with Smoked Salt and a Sweet Mint and Almond Pesto

For the chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler over medium-low heat. Once melted, set aside to cool for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, add the egg yolks, brown sugar, smoked salt and mix. Slowly fold the chocolate in the yolks, being careful not to cook the yolks.

For the meringue: In a bowl, add the egg whites and white vinegar and whip until stiff peaks form. For the pesto: Toast the almonds in a small frying pan on medium-heat heat; shake until golden. Set aside into a bowl. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1/2 cup water and the raw sugar. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, and then remove from the heat and let cool completely. In a food processor, pulse the fresh mint and toasted almond slivers until granular. Stream in 1/4 cup of simple syrup.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. For the souffle: Delicately fold the meringues into the chocolate 10 to 15 times, being careful not to deflate them. It should look spotty and streaked. Grease 4 ramekins with the butter, dust with granulated sugar and tap away any excess. Fill the ramekins with the souffle mixture, leaving 1/4-inch at the top. Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake for exactly 16 minutes. Decorate a plate with a spoonful of sweet mint and almond pesto and place a souffle on the plate.