Jenna's Famous "Braces Friendly" Molten Lava Cake Recipe

By Jenna Jensen
-Licensed Dental Assistant at Collins Orthodontics

This "braces friendly" dessert is the ultimate go-to for all chocolate lovers, especially the ones who love rich dark chocolate, like me!  You can ask all my co-workers, family, and friends - these molten cakes are simply the best!  I first started making these with my mom about seven years ago.  At that time, both her and I were fans of the TV show The Biggest Loser.  We made it a weekly tradition to make molten cakes every Tuesday when the show was on.  We often commented to each other on how we were watching contestants working hard to lose weight, and there we were indulging in a weekly dessert together!  To this day, my mom always has all the ingredients on hand, so she is always ready when visit and ask, “How about a molten cake, Mom?” Her answer is always "yes" of course!

I have had many trial and error molten cake baking sessions with sometimes overcooking, sometimes undercooking, and sometimes the cakes getting stuck in the dishes. The recipe below is what I have found to make the perfect molten cakes...

Without further adieu, I give to you my famous "braces friendly" molten lava cake recipe:

Molten Lava Cakes Recipe
*Makes 2* 

• 2 oz. Baker’s Bittersweet Baking Chocolate
• 4 T. Margarine
• 3 T. Four
• ½ C Powered Sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• Spray PAM
• 2- 1 cup ramekins, or similar round dessert dish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 
In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate and margarine for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat as needed until completely melted.  Whisk in flour and powdered sugar, then egg and egg yolk. Spray bottoms of ramekins with PAM, divide batter in half, and pour into prepared ramekins. Place in center rack of oven and set the timer for 12 minutes.  Check the cakes after 6 minutes. When the centers are slightly jiggly, and the cakes are firm about ½ inch from the outer edges, remove the cakes from the oven and let sit for one minute. Carefully cut around the edges of the molten cakes and invert onto serving plate. (Note: The cakes may crack so the lava comes running out, don’t worry, this is normal!)  You can dust powdered sugar on the top of the cakes for garnish. Serve with lots and lots of ice cream.  Different ovens may cook the molten cakes quicker. If you prefer more lava in the middle, cook for a shorter time. If you prefer less gooey goodness in the middle, cook for a little longer so the center is slightly firmer. You do not want to over bake.

Happy Baking Everyone!  Enjoy! :)

-Jenna Jensen

Want to learn more about Jenna Jensen and the rest of the Collins Orthodontics Team?  Visit our "Meet the Team" page and you'll be in the know on all of your favorite Collins Orthodontics team members!

Collins Orthodontics
Website: RochesterOrthodontics.com
Email: info@rochesterorthodontics.com
Facebook:  Facebook.com/RochesterOrthodontics
YouTube:  Collins Orthodontics YouTube Channel
GooglePlus:  Collins Orthodontics Google Plus Page
Instagram: instagram.com/thebracesguy

Your Journey to a Great Smile

Your Journey to a Great Smile
By Grant Collins, D.D.S., M.S.
(Orthodontist - Rochester, Minnesota)

Have you ever wanted to get braces or Invisalign, but you are worried about what your experience will be like?  What will the orthodontist be like?  Will you be treated with respect?  Will they make you feel badly about your teeth?  Will they treat your child with the same amount of care as they would with their own families?

Going to an orthodontist can be nerve-wracking, and that's understandable!  You will be meeting with new people in a new office, and you are not quite sure what to expect.  For that reason, we have put together a short video called "Your Journey to a Great Smile" so you know exactly what it is like to become a family member (ahem - I mean "patient") at Collins Orthodontics.  Here is a little "peek" inside of our clinic walls to show you what we are all about...

For more information:
Web: RochesterOrthodontics.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/RochesterOrthodontics
Phone: 507-258-5400
Email: info@rochesterorthodontics.com
Request an Appointment: RequestMyAppointment.com

Invisalign: 5 Things You MUST know before starting Invisalign Clear Braces

By Grant Collins

1. Invisalign aligners look great...nearly invisible!

Honestly, one of the most common reasons why the wonderful people of Rochester, MN and surrounding communities do not want to straighten their teeth is because they do not want to wear traditional metal braces and wires.  The great news is that, because of Invisalign, you no longer have to!  Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth.  The virtually invisible aligners gradually straighten your teeth over time, and unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires! You don’t need to change anything about your current lifestyle! With Invisalign you can continue participating in day-to-day activities without changing a thing. Invisalign is great for professionals, athletes, brides, and parents. Most people will not even be able to tell you are getting your teeth straightened!

2. Invisalign is a tool, not a substitute for orthodontic knowledge

Just like braces, Invisalign is simply a "tool" used by orthodontists to straighten your teeth.  Also just like braces, the skill and orthodontic knowledge of your doctor has a much greater effect on your final outcome than the "tools" in which your doctor uses.  The first step in choosing your Invisalign provider is to find an expert in straightening teeth (i.e. an "orthodontist").  An orthodontist is a specialist that receives an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school in order to learn the most effective, efficient, and proper way to align misaligned teeth.  All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are orthodontists.  Orthodontists will focus all efforts of continuing education only within the specialty of orthodontics, ensuring that you are receiving the best and most specialized care possible.  In order to see if the doctor is a specialist, look for the seal of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).  Only orthodontic specialists can be members of the AAO.

3. Most people are great candidates for Invisalign

From our experience at Collins Orthodontics, the great majority of patients are great Invisalign candidates.  Although there are a few exceptions, we have found that Invisalign is an excellent tool to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.  

4. Compliance is not optional

One of the greatest features of Invisalign is that you can remove the clear aligners in order to enjoy the foods you love and easily brush and floss your teeth (also reducing your risk of cavities and staining compared to traditional braces).  At the same time, if you do not wear your aligners a minimum of 22 hours per day, then the Invisalign will not work.  Your overall outcome with Invisalign is very much dependent on your commitment to wearing the aligners!

5. Invisalign reduces the risk of cavities compared to braces

Since you can remove the Invisalign aligners, it makes cleaning your teeth simple!  With traditional braces and wires, it is very difficult to keep your teeth clean, where food can easily get caught between the teeth.  When food is allowed to sit in your mouth, your risk of cavities increases significantly.  With Invisalign, that risk is completely eliminated!  It's a great treatment to keep your teeth healthy and clean, even during treatment!

For more information about Braces and Invisalign, please visit us at:

www.rochesterorthodontics.com

www.facebook.com/rochesterorthodontics.com

Fluoride and Brushing Your Children's Teeth in Rochester, MN

By Grant Collins

The American Dental Association has updated their guidelines for brushing children's teeth. Here's what you need to know about the update:

Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as the teeth erupt, instead of waiting until children are older. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop.

Guidelines for Brushing Your Children's Teeth

Happy Brushing!

-Dr. Collins

Collins Orthodontics Facebook

Collins Orthodontics Website