Chocolate Ganache
I made a chocolate ganache cake for my friend's surprise birthday lunch.
Maybe it wasn't a surprise birthday celebration because she found out about it before lunch....
I have tried this recipe twice and both times yield me great ganache.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-ganache/
Ganache ingredients:
Maybe it wasn't a surprise birthday celebration because she found out about it before lunch....
I have tried this recipe twice and both times yield me great ganache.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-ganache/
Ganache ingredients:
- 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoon of Baileys (optional)
I needed to bake the cake on a weekday night and had to resort to a faster method - store bought cake mix! I bought Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge cake mix. Oh well, might as well make it as chocolate-y as can be. Anyway, it's a sinful indulgence once a year! (or, maybe not)
I baked the cake according to the instruction on the box.
I then placed the baked cake on a cake board and let it cool.It is important to let the cake cool, or else, the ganache will melt and be liquid-y when you pour it over later on.
I baked the cake according to the instruction on the box.
I then placed the baked cake on a cake board and let it cool.It is important to let the cake cool, or else, the ganache will melt and be liquid-y when you pour it over later on.
Mix the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in a large metal bowl.
Use a double boiler for a smooth ganache.
Notice my big bowl on top of my boiling pot? :)
Use a double boiler for a smooth ganache.
Notice my big bowl on top of my boiling pot? :)
Double boil the chocolate until they are perfectly melted.
Use a whisk to stir often.
At this point, you can choose to add in a tablespoon of rum.
I substituted rum with 4 tablespoons of Baileys!
Use a whisk to stir often.
At this point, you can choose to add in a tablespoon of rum.
I substituted rum with 4 tablespoons of Baileys!
Allow the ganache to cool slightly for a thicker consistency.
Pour ganache over the cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward.
I have learnt not to use a spatula for a smooth surface. You also have to do this relatively fast; some of the ganache on the cake will start thickening and if left longer, subsequent pouring of ganache will result in awful contours.
And yes, chocolate ganache will start dripping off the sides.
Remember to line the bottom of the cake with a tray to collect the dripping ganache.
p/s: Hey, if you have excess ganache, you can use it to make chocolate coated strawberries! :D
Pour ganache over the cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward.
I have learnt not to use a spatula for a smooth surface. You also have to do this relatively fast; some of the ganache on the cake will start thickening and if left longer, subsequent pouring of ganache will result in awful contours.
And yes, chocolate ganache will start dripping off the sides.
Remember to line the bottom of the cake with a tray to collect the dripping ganache.
p/s: Hey, if you have excess ganache, you can use it to make chocolate coated strawberries! :D
Decorate your cake with candles and strawberries!
Happy Birthday! :)
Happy Birthday! :)