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1
Preheat the oven to 350F and place the rack in the center position. Generously butter a 12-muffin tin.
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2
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and superfine sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Melt 7 ounces of the chocolate and add it to the butter mixture, then add the flour and mix until well blended. Add the yolks of 6 of the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reserve the extra 2 yolks for another use.
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3
In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat the 8 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the egg whites to the chocolate batter, a little at a time, until just incorporated.
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4
Divide the mixture into the prepared muffin pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
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5
Allow to cool before serving.
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6
Meanwhile, for the icing, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar in 1/3 cup water. Melt the remaining chocolate and add it to the sugar syrup, and bring the icing to a low boil. Stir with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes, or until icing is glossy. Add a few drops of boiling water if the icing becomes too thick or to dissolve any sugar crystals that might form.
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7
In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the apricot jam and Cointreau until warm.
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8
To serve, spoon the apricot sauce onto each serving plate and top with a muffin. Ice the muffins with the chocolate icing and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
