Chocolate Recipes

1 pkg. (16 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Mini Brownie Bites Bar Dough

1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling, warmed

1 cup frozen whipping topping, thawed

1 bar (2 oz. total) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bars, grated

Libellés : Black Forest Brownies, cake, cake recipes, chocolate, chocolate recipes

White-Chocolate Mousse Parfaits

Yield: eight small parfaits (3 cups mousse)

4 oz. good-quality white chocolate, chopped
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1 ripe mango, cut into small chunks
20 gingersnaps or chocolate wafers, crushed

Melt the white chocolate in a small, heatproof bowl over simmering water or in a microwave. (how to melt.... ). Stir until smooth. Set the chocolate aside and proceed immediately; the chocolate needs to be very warm for this speedy recipe to succeed.

Pour the cream into a medium bowl and add the vanilla and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the cream forms firm but not stiff peaks, about 2 to 3 min. (Don't go too far or the cream will curdle when the chocolate is beaten in.) Scrape the very warm white chocolate into the cream. Continue beating on medium-high speed until well blended and firm, about 30 seconds. The mousse should form a dollop when dropped from a spoon.

To serve, spoon the mousse into tall glasses, alternating with layers of the mango chunks and crushed cookies.

Tips

• Be careful when you melt the white chocolate -- it burns easily, so use very low heat. more info!
• This mousse can also be served alongside a fresh fruit compote.

Other combinations:
fresh raspberries or quartered strawberries with crushed chocolate cookies; reconstituted dried apricots with gingersnaps; blueberries with vanilla wafers.

White-Chocolate Mousse Parfaits

Libellés : cake, cake recipes, chocolate, chocolate recipes, White-Chocolate Mousse Parfaits

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Gourmet-gift expert Shari Fitzpatrick (Shari's Berries) shows how to achieve gourmet chocolate-dipped treats at home for much less than retail price.

24-30 perfectly ripened strawberries, green caps intact
6 oz (.375 lb) sweet, semi-sweet, bitter sweet, milk and/or white chocolate. Preferably chocolate chips, chocolate calets or chocolate bars coarsely chopped.

Believe it or not, chocolate chips are really the best way to melt chocolate. They are available at grocery stores in dark-, white- or milk-chocolate varieties and taste wonderful. Melting them is the key, so utilize the easy method provided below.

Microwave Melting Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips using either the defrost setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. Use two to three minute increments until smooth. (More info on melting chocolate)

Dipping Strawberries

Yes, there is a technique involved to perfect chocolate-covered strawberries. When you dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, give it a little shake as you withdraw it. This will fill in all the cracks and leave a nice, even line of chocolate at the base. When the strawberry is completely withdrawn from the chocolate, swirl it in a quick, clockwise motion to "spin" the dripping chocolate off.

Invert the hand, pointing the strawberry at the ceiling, to seal it and allow you to sprinkle other candies or toppings around the surface.

Cool covered strawberries on a sheet pan with wax paper. Keep them at a cool room temperature and try to dip them the same day you serve them.

Tuxedo Strawberries

Dip strawberries in both white and dark chocolate to create a tuxedo effect. Dip in white first, let the chocolate dry, then dip twice in dark chocolate, giving them that little shake to keep a straight line. Buttons and a bow tie can easily be added with the tip of a wooden skewer or piped on using a paper cone.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Libellés : cake, cake recipes, chocolate, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, chocolate recipes

Triple Chocolate Celebration Cake

Chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, and chocolate mousse team up with fruit in this incredible dessert. Begin making the cake one day ahead. Enjoy the extra mousse later.

Yield: 20 servings.

Cake
2 3/4 cups cake flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Ganache
3 cups whipping cream
1 1/2 pounds bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Mousse
4 1/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Assembly and serving
2/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

parchment or wax paper (for cake pans and two 4 1/2-inch-wide by 15 3/4-inch-long strips for chocolate decoration)

3/4 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 1/2-pint baskets raspberries
1/2 pound cherries
1 1-pint basket small strawberries
1 1/2-pint basket blueberries
1 1/2-pint basket blackberries

Make cake:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 F. Butter and flour two 10-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides; line each with round of parchment paper or waxed paper. Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl; whisk to blend well. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, eggs and egg yolks in large bowl until very thick and heavy ribbon falls when beaters are lifted, about 6 minutes. Add oil, sour cream and vanilla, then dry ingredients all at once to egg mixture. Beat at low speed until just blended, about 1 minute. Scrape down sides of bowl. Beat at high speed until well blended, about 3 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips; divide batter between prepared pans (about 3 3/4 cups batter in each).

Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cakes completely in pans on racks. Cover; let cakes stand at room temperature overnight.

Make ganache:
Bring cream to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Transfer ganache to glass bowl. Let stand until thick enough to spread, about 4 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)

Make mousse:
Using electric mixer, beat 3 1/3 cups cream in large bowl until peaks form; refrigerate. Combine remaining 1 cup cream and corn syrup in heavy medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until melted, smooth, and still warm to touch. Pour warm chocolate mixture directly onto whipped cream and fold in gently. Chill until mousse is set, at least 8 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)

Assemble and serve cake:
Cut around pan sides; turn out cakes. Peel off paper. Cut each cake horizontally in half. Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on 9-inch cake board round. Place another layer, cut side up, on clean baking sheet. Spread each with 1/3 cup raspberry jam. Chill until jam sets, about 15 minutes

If ganache is chilled, microwave on defrost setting in 15-second repetitions until just soft enough to spread, stirring occasionally. Drop 1 cup ganache by rounded teaspoonfuls over each jam layer. Using offset spatula (angled blade), gently spread ganache to cover jam. Drop 3 cups mousse by heaping spoonfuls onto each ganache layer; gently spread to cover. Refrigerate cake layers 30 minutes. Using large metal spatula, place cake layer from baking sheet, mousse side up, atop cake layer on cake board. Place third cake layer, cut side down, on cake (reserve remaining cake layer for another use). Spread 1 cup mousse over top of assembled cake. Using spatula, spread sides of assembled cake with enough ganache (about 1 1/2 cups) to fill gaps and make smooth surface. Transfer cake to platter.

Turn 1 large baking sheet upside down on work surface. Arrange two 20-inch-long pieces of foil on work surface. Cut two 4 1/2-inch-wide by 15 3/4-inch-long strips from parchment paper. Lay 1 parchment strip, onto each sheet of foil. Place chocolate in medium metal bowl; set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Stir until chocolate is smooth and very warm to touch (about 115°F). Remove bowl from over water.

Pour thick ribbon of melted chocolate (about 2/3 cup) onto 1 parchment strip. Using long offset spatula (angled blade), spread chocolate evenly over parchment strip, covering completely (chocolate will run over sides of strip). Lift edge of chocolate-coated strip with tip of knife. Slide hands between parchment strip and foil, lift entire parchment strip and place it, chocolate side up, on inverted baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate on strip is set and loses gloss but is still flexible (do not let chocolate become too firm), about 1 1/2 minutes. Using fingertips, lift chocolate-coated strip and attach, chocolate side in, to side of cake. Press strip to seal chocolate to side of cake (strip will stand about 1 inch above top edge of cake).
Coat remaining parchment strip with chocolate, transfer to inverted baking sheet; chill until set but still flexible. Arrange 1 end of second strip against (but not overlapping) 1 end of first strip. Press second strip to seal chocolate to side of cake (both strips will just encircle cake). Refrigerate cake until chocolate strips are firm, about 30 minutes.
Carefully peel parchment paper off chocolate strips. Chill cake at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.

Mound fruit atop cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Cake can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead.)

Triple Chocolate Celebration Cake

Libellés : cake recipes, chocolate, chocolate recipes, Triple Chocolate Celebration Cake

Chocolate Heart Layer Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse

Yield: 4 servings, 1 eight-inch cake

Cake:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar

Mousse Base:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

Mousse, Cake Assembly, and Glaze:
2/3 cup cherry jam
2 tablespoons kirsch (clear cherry brandy)

4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon chai-spiced tea leaves or Lapsang souchong smoked black tea leaves (from 1 tea bag)
5 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Buy Chocolate

For Cake:
Preheat oven to 400 F. Place 8x2-inch heart-shaped cake ring on sheet of foil. Wrap foil up sides of ring. Brush foil and inside of ring with 1 tablespoon butter; dust with flour. Place on baking sheet. You could also use a buttered and floured 8-inch round cake pan with 2-inch-high sides.

Sift flour, cocoa, and salt into medium bowl. Combine eggs and sugar in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from over water. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until thick and billowy and heavy ribbon falls when beaters are lifted, about 5 minutes. Sift half of dry ingredients over; fold in gently. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients. Transfer 1/4 cup batter to small bowl; fold in 3 tablespoons butter. Gently fold butter mixture into batter; do not overmix or batter will deflate. Transfer batter to ring.

Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer cake with foil to rack; cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.)

For Mousse Base:
Bring whipping cream and cinnamon sticks just to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat; let steep 1 hour at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate cinnamon cream overnight.

For Mousse, Cake Assembly, and Glaze:
Blend jam and kirsch in small bowl. Cut around sides of cake; lift off ring. Using metal spatula, loosen cake from foil and transfer to rack. Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally in half. Using tart pan bottom, transfer top cake layer to work surface; turn cut side up. Spread half of jam on cut side of both cake layers.

Strain cinnamon cream into large bowl; beat until soft peaks form. Stir finely chopped chocolate in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Quickly fold warm chocolate into whipped cream (chocolate must be warm to blend smoothly). Immediately drop mousse by dollops over bottom cake layer; spread to within 3/4 inch of edge. Gently press second layer, jam side down, atop mousse. Smooth sides of cake with offset spatula. Chill assembled cake on rack while preparing glaze.

Bring cream, 1/4 cup water, corn syrup, and tea to boil in small saucepan, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; steep 5 minutes. Strain into another small saucepan; return to boil.

Remove from heat. Add coarsely chopped chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool glaze until thickened, but still pourable, about 30 minutes. Place rack with cake over baking sheet. Slowly pour glaze over cake to cover, using spatula if necessary to spread evenly. Chill until glaze is firm, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Place cake on platter and serve.

Chocolate Heart Layer Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse

Libellés : cake recipes, chocolate, Chocolate Heart Layer Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse, chocolate recipes

Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Yield: 12 servings.

1 cup (about 5 ounces) chocolate cookie or chocolate graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
2 pint baskets California strawberries, stemmed and halved
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided
1 tablespoon sugar

In bowl, mix crumbs and butter to blend thoroughly. Press evenly onto bottom of 9-inch springform or cheesecake pan. Stand strawberry halves, touching, side-by-side, pointed ends up with cuts sides against side of pan. Set aside.

Place chocolate chips in blender container. In small saucepan over medium heat, mix water and corn syrup; bring to boil and simmer 1 minute. Immediately pour over chocolate chips and blend until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, in large mixer bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of the cream to form stiff peaks. With rubber spatula, fold cooled chocolate into whipped cream to blend thoroughly. Pour into prepared pan; level top. (Points of strawberries might extend above chocolate mixture.) Cover and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.

Up to 2 hours before serving, in medium mixer bowl, beat remaining one cup cream to form soft peaks. Add sugar; beat to form stiff peaks. Remove side of pan; place cake on serving plate. Using a Pastry Bag with a star tip pipe or dollop whipped cream onto top of cake. Arrange remaining halved strawberries on whipped cream. To serve, cut into wedges with knife, wiping blade between cuts.

Nutritional Information: 406 calories; 30 g fat; 76 mg cholesterol; 153 mg sodium; 36 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 5 g protein. Source: California Strawberry Commission

Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Libellés : cake, cake recipes, chocolate, chocolate recipes, Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

A wonderful devil's food-like chocolate cake with a rich, creamy chocolate frosting.

Yield: 15 servings

Cake Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/2 cup sour milk*
2 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
Dash salt
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Heat oven to 350 F.
Combine sugar and 1/2 cup butter in large mixer bowl. Using an electric mixer beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add milk, 2 ounces melted chocolate, eggs and vanilla; continue beating until smooth (1 to 2 minutes). Add flour, baking soda and salt. Reduce speed to low; beat until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Add boiling water; continue beating until smooth (1 to 2 minutes).

Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Place 1/2 cup butter in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa and salt alternately with whipping cream and 1 ounce melted chocolate, scraping bowl often and beating well after each addition (2 to 3 minutes). Stir in corn syrup. Frost cooled cake.

*Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar plus enough milk to equal 1/2 cup.

Nutrition Facts (1 serving): Calories: 460 Fat: 18 g Cholesterol: 70 mg Sodium: 390 mg Carbohydrates: 72 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Protein: 5 g

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Libellés : cake, cake recipes, chocolate, Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream, chocolate recipes