Semi-Sweet Chocolate: From the tasters at Martha Stewart
Survey says ... Guittard Real Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Baker's Chocolate Chunks beat out Ghiradelli, Hershey's and Nestle Tollhouse chips!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
1 box Dark Chocolate Fudge brownie mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip cookie mix
1/2 cup butter softened
1 egg
1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray, or grease with shortening. Make brownie mix as directed on box, using oil, water and 2 eggs. Spread in pan.
2. Make cookie mix as directed on pouch, using butter and 1 egg. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter; press down lightly.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool on cooling rack 30 minutes. Pour over chocolate ganache (recipe below) and wait for it to set up.
Chocolate Ganache
12 oz. Semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 TBSP butter
Heat milk and butter in saucepan until point just BEFORE boiling. Pour over chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour over brownies and let set before cutting.
Decadent Chocolate Ice Cream
Here is what you need:
2-1/4 cups whole milk
2-1/4 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean
1-1/8 cups granulated sugar
1-1/8 cups Dutch process cocoa
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Here is what you do:
In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. With a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise; use the blunt edge of the knife to scrape out the "seeds" of the vanilla bean.
Stir the seeds and bean pod into the milk/cream mixture. Simmer the milk/cream mixture over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard it or rinse and reserve for another use.
Combine the sugar, cocoa, eggs, and egg yolks in a medium bowl; using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat until thickened like mayonnaise.
Measure out 1 cup of the hot milk/cream mixture. With the mixer on low speed, add the cup of hot milk/cream to the cocoa mixture in a slow, steady stream and mix until completely incorporated. Stir the chopped chocolate into the saucepan with the hot milk/cream. Stir the egg mixture into the hot milk/cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to resemble a chocolate pudding. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl and stir in vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the chocolate mixture, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
Pour the chilled custard into the freezer bowl, turn the machine on and let mix until thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.
Peanut Butter Cup Cake
1 devil’s food cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for garnishing – I used 2 bags)
8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup peanut butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line with wax paper and coat paper.
In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, buttermilk and vegetable oil on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down sides after 1 minute. Fold in 2 cups of the chopped peanut butter cups.
Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely.
Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring cream just to a boil and then pour over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melts. Add peanut butter and whisk until smooth.
Trim each cake layer so the tops are flat. Place one layer on a cooling rack and pour 1 cup frosting on top. Spread evenly with a spatula. Add second layer and pour remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Smooth out with spatula.
Allow frosting to set for a minute and gently press remaining chopped peanut butter cup pieces all over top and sides of cake. Place in refrigerator for about an hour to set. Remove and serve.
Skinny Frozen Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups ice cubes
Toppings: Reduced Fat Reddi Whip, dark chocolate shavings, cinnamon shaker, etc.
1. Combine chocolate syrup, evaporated milk, vanilla and ice in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour into cups, top with Reddi Whip and sprinkle with cinnamon or chocolate curls.
Options: For mexican flare, add in 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the mixture before blending. For mint version, substitute mint flavoring in lieu of vanilla.
