Friday, February 10, 2012

Oh My Gosh, GANACHE!

Do you ever just need a quick chocolate fix, but you don't have the time to actually bake something?  I've been known to rummage through the pantry looking for something chocolate, anything chocolate...just a taste.  (And please don't grab the unsweetened chocolate-ick!)  Oftentimes, the only thing I find is chocolate chips.  That'll do!!

A few years ago I discovered ganache.  Sounds fancy, right?  It is sooooo easy to make and really fits the bill for those late night chocolate cravings.  All you need is chocolate and heavy whipping cream.  I usually try to keep a pint of whipping cream in the fridge...it lasts up to a month.
I'm always looking for a new cake to make on Birthdays.  My son is a chocoholic like myself, so I found this delightful one Chocolate Cake with Fleur del Sel Caramel filling on bon appetit's website.  My mouth is watering as I remember what that first bite was like...heavenly!  I took one shortcut, and made the caramel filling with Kraft caramels and a little evaporated milk.  I might've added too much milk, because before the icing had a chance to set up, the cake layers started sliding...and after going through that much trouble, you don't want an earthquake cake!  So, I'd recommend placing long wooden skewers through the layers to hold it all together until ganache sets.

Ganache can be used as an icing for cakes, cupcakes, tarts, cheesecake toppings, etc.  It's delectable as a warm chocolate dip for fruit.  The nice thing too about ganache, is that you can decide how sweet you want it.  I used Ghirardelli's 60% chocolate baking chips, but you can also purchase the 70% chocolate bars, etc.  The fruit adds the sweetness, so I find that the 60-70% chocolate works great!  So, if you're watching your sugar levels, ganache is a great option.

 For my quick snack, I used 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and 2/3 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream.  Put chips in bowl and microwave cream until very hot.  Then pour over chips.

Let sit for a few minutes,
then stir, until all the chips are melted. Waaalaaa...you have ganache!!!!
 It's yummy served warm as a dip with raspberries!
Your Valentine will love it!!! It's also delicious on ice cream!
If you don't eat all of it in one sitting...Ha!...then you can store what is leftover in your fridge.  It'll set up like it would for an icing, but still spoonable!!!  You can also microwave it to get it soft again.

Enjoy!!

Join me at the Friday Flair Link party! and Hodge Podge Friday

13 comments:

  1. Sounds wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your lovely Valentine decor at Potpourri Friday!

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  2. You are very welcome! Glad to have found you!

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  3. this looks so yummy

    i am a new follower
    via Linky Followers
    and hope you will return the favor!

    alison

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    1. found you! We have alot in common!! Thanks for following!!
      Janis

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  4. Glad to find a new great blog to follow. I'm following on the new Linky tool, so please come by and follow back so we can stay connected, Lori

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  5. That looks really amazing!!! I'm visiting from the blog hop (and now I'm hungry) haaaa. I'm a new linky follower and would love it if you'd consider visiting and following back. Thanks!!

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  6. Saw you over at Blissful and Domestic for the Linky Follower Blog Hop. Following you now and hope you can follow back:> Love your cute blog!

    http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/

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  7. I am now following you on Linky follower.I would love it if you followed me back.I always enjoy meeting new bloggers Love your easy ganach.

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  8. I'm a new Linky follower from the hop, would love for you to come visit and follow if you like. Any daughter of the King is a friend (sister) of mine. :)
    http://plumdoodles.com

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  9. yum...droool...droool...........yum, um, did I say yum? giggle. Hugs

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  10. Found your adorable blog via the Linky Blog Hop! I'm following you, now! Hope you can come visit my blog at http://www.eccentricleopard.com/ Thanks!

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  11. Love your blog! So nice to be able to follow you on the new Linky tool. Stop by and follow back so we can stay connected. Jeanine

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  12. Found you via the Linky hop and have become your newest follower. Hope you have a chance to visit and perhaps follow me back.

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