Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless Chocolate Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake

Like many of my recipes, this is an oldy but goodie and the attribution for the original flourless chocolate cake recipe is lost.  I did embellish the recipe by adding the ganache icing to the cake to make a double hit of chocolate.

This cake is extremely sweet and so for a topping you need to have a “less” sweet object, such as unsweetened whipped cream, or crème fraîche, to complement it.

It does take time to do this recipe.  If you don’t intend on icing you can serve the cake warm.  However it really needs to firm up for 12 – 24 hours in the refrigerator before you can move it without breaking to do the icing and is best served chilled.

In the original recipe it called for a 1# block of chocolate- which today is quite expensive so I substituted semi sweet chocolate chips for both the cake and ganache and it came out just fine, and at about 1/3 the cost.

Ingredients for Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake
  1.  1 lb semi-sweet chocolate(either chips or broken into pieces)
  2. ½ cup whole milk
  3. ½ cup Heavy Cream
  4. 7 egg yolks
  5. 1½  cups unsalted butter softened and broken into pieces
  6. pinch of salt
  7. 1 tsp vanilla
  8. 2 tbsps dark run (optional)
  9. unsweetened whipped cream or crème fraîche for topping
For the Ganache:

Equal parts heavy cream and chocolate, for this recipe I used 8 oz. each.

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 1 cup semi sweet chips
Directions for Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350º.

Butter the bottom and sides of a 9″ springform pan.  Line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper and lightly butter the top of the paper.

In a sauce pan over low heat warm the chocolate, milk and cream stirring until the chocolate is melted and combined with the milk and cream.

Transfer the chocolate to a mixing bowl beating on low speed until well blended and smooth.  Now add 2 yolks and ½ cup of butter continue to beat at low speed until the eggs and butter are just blended.  Add the remaining yolks and butter in 3 additions beating until just blended after each addition.

Once all the eggs and butter are combined in the batter add the rum salt and vanilla.

Pour mixture into the prepared springform pan and bake in the lower third of the oven for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center almost clean.

Once done remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Remove the sides from the springform pan and place in the refrigerator covered for 12 – 24 hours.

When well chilled invert onto a a piece of wax paper.  remove the parchment from the bottom of the cake.  Now invert onto a serving plate. Serve chilled or prepare to glaze.

Directions for the Ganache

Place the chips in a bowl.  In a 2qt sauce pan bring the cream up to a boil, keeping a constant watch over it.  Once it reaches the boiling stage remove from heat (if allowed to boil constantly it will spill over and create quite a mess).

Pour the hot cream over the chips and let stand for about 1½ – 2 minutes.  Begin then to carefully stir the mixture until all the chocolate is melted with no lumps and the cream is fully incorporated.  Allow to sit and cool slightly.

To prepare the cake take 2″ deep strips of wax paper and carefully place under the edges of the cake.  Pour the ganache into the center of the cake and with a spatula push the excess over the sides.  Once the icing is hardened remove the wax paper.  Allow to cool completely then refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

here are a few items to help make this recipe:
https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Leakproof-Springform-Inch/dp/B000237FSA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1466437966&sr=1-3&keywords=springform+pan&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=b56e7800916ac08ae3d6fded4961f35f
https://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Stainless-Dishwasher-Cookware-1-5-Quart/dp/B004T6M6Y4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1466438079&sr=1-3&keywords=small+heavy+sauce+pan&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=5440ba9329d9babd0dda5cfa77a39eb7

 

The Official Taste Tester
The Official Taste Tester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadly although it did smell rather tasty, this is not a pup friendly dish so I’m afraid rule #1 must apply!

 

 

Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake

Double Down Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb semi-sweet chocolate(either chips or broken into pieces)
  2. ½ cup whole milk
  3. ½ cup Heavy Cream
  4. 7 egg yolks
  5. 1½ cups unsalted butter softened and broken into pieces
  6. pinch of salt
  7. 1 tsp vanilla
  8. 2 tbsps dark run (optional)
  9. unsweetened whipped cream or crème fraîche for topping
  10. For the Ganache:
  11. Equal parts heavy cream and chocolate, for this recipe I used 8 oz. each.
  12. 1 cup heavy cream
  13. 1 cup semi sweet chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper and lightly butter the top of the paper.
  3. In a sauce pan over low heat warm the chocolate, milk and cream stirring until the chocolate is melted and combined with the milk and cream.
  4. Transfer the chocolate to a mixing bowl beating on low speed until well blended and smooth. Now add 2 yolks and ½ cup of butter continue to beat at low speed until the eggs and butter are just blended. Add the remaining yolks and butter in 3 additions beating until just blended after each addition.
  5. Once all the eggs and butter are combined in the batter add the rum salt and vanilla.
  6. Pour mixture into the prepared springform pan and bake in the lower third of the oven for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center almost clean.
  7. Once done remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Remove the sides from the springform pan and place in the refrigerator covered for 12 - 24 hours.
  9. When well chilled invert onto a a piece of wax paper. remove the parchment from the bottom of the cake. Now invert onto a serving plate. Serve chilled or prepare to glaze.
  10. Directions for the Ganache
  11. Place the chips in a bowl. In a 2qt sauce pan bring the cream up to a boil, keeping a constant watch over it. Once it reaches the boiling stage remove from heat (if allowed to boil constantly it will spill over and create quite a mess).
  12. Pour the hot cream over the chips and let stand for about 1½ - 2 minutes. Begin then to carefully stir the mixture until all the chocolate is melted with no lumps and the cream is fully incorporated. Allow to sit and cool slightly.
  13. To prepare the cake take 2" deep strips of wax paper and carefully place under the edges of the cake. Pour the ganache into the center of the cake and with a spatula push the excess over the sides. Once the icing is hardened remove the wax paper. Allow to cool completely then refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Cheesecake Brownies

Cheesecake Brownies
Cheesecake Brownies

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheesecake Brownies

I’m not sure where the Cheesecake Brownie recipe originated, but this has been a favorite after school snack for quite a long time.

It’s an easy recipe and all you need is your favorite brownie mix to start.   You can use a 9 X 9 pan or  a 9 X 13 either will work;  just that the brownies in one are thicker, the other thinner with more bars to cut .

Ingredients for Cheesecake Brownies
  1. 1 box brownie mix
  2. 8oz cream cheese softened
  3. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  4. ½ tsp vanilla
  5. 1 whole egg
Directions for Cheesecake Brownies

Prepare the brownies according to box directions and pour into a greased pan.

In a mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar.  once well blended add tha vanilla and the egg and beat again on slow until well blended.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mix and with a knife or spatula cut into the mixture to get a marbled effect.

cut into mixture to get a marbled effect.
cut into mixture to get a marbled effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bake in a 350º oven for 35-40 minutes until the cream cheese on top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out “almost” clean.

cook until cream cheese lightly browns and a toothpick comes out almost clean
cook until cream cheese lightly browns and a toothpick comes out almost clean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place on wire rack to cool.  Once cool cut into squares and serve.

Here are a few items to help make this recipe:
https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Basics-Oblong-Baking-Plastic/dp/B01DYB6O9M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1466186650&sr=8-1&keywords=9×9+baking+dishes&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=56331b3bc9255015c4bccea37b824b50
https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Secret-1061483–16-Inch-Nonstick/dp/B00091PNTI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1466186708&sr=8-2&keywords=wire+racks&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=3620fff1e4084dc982331277d87f484a

 

The Official Taste Tester
The Official Taste Tester

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although Chocolate is a no-no for pups, so rule # 1 applies;  they did smell very good and I was very tempted to try.

 

 

 

Cheesecake Brownies

Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

  1. 1 box brownie mix
  2. 8oz cream cheese softened
  3. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  4. ½ tsp vanilla
  5. 1 whole egg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brownies according to box directions and pour into a greased pan.
  2. In a mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar. once well blended add tha vanilla and the egg and beat again on slow until well blended.
  3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mix and with a knife or spatula cut into the mixture to get a marbled effect.
  4. Bake in a 350º oven for 35-40 minutes until the cream cheese on top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out "almost" clean.
  5. Place on wire rack to cool. Once cool cut into squares and serve.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.rantsravesandrecipes.com/cheesecake-brownies/

 

If you enjoy our site and are thinking of purchasing anything from Amazon, please use the link to Amazon from our site.  It doesn’t cost you anything and we profit from the ads and purchases .  

Please help us keep our blog going by letting your friends know we’re here and by checking out the links on our front page.

copyright © rantsravesandrecipes 2016 all rights reserved

 

Asian Apple and Pear Tart

Asian Apple and Pear Tart
Asian Apple and Pear Tart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asian Apple and Pear Tart

My Asian Apple and Pear Tart was inspired by an episode of Ming Tsai where his parents made him a dessert with a hot dough and peanut butter, sesame oil and brown sugar rolled and flattened.

I thought the combination of the peanut butter, sesame oil and brown sugar sounded good.  I then thought that it would go well with fruit in a tart, so here we are ! my asian apple and pear tart.

Ingredients for Asian Apple and Pear Tart
  1. 1 thawed sheet of puff pastry
  2. 2 granny smith apples peeled and cored
  3. 2 pears peeled and cored
  4. ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  5. 1-1½ Tbsps sesame oil
  6. ½ cup (approximate) dark brown sugar
  7. 2-3 Tbsps granulated sugar
  8. 2-3 Tbsps apricot preserve + 1 Tbsp water
Directions for Asian Apple and Pear Tart

Peel, core and cut in half the apples and pears then slice.  Put slices into water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice to keep from browning.

Mix the peanut butter and the sesame oil well and taste- making sure there is enough oil to flavor the peanut butter slightly.

In a small pot place the apricot preserve and the water and on medium heat melt and dissolve the preserve, once melted stir well and set aside on low heat.

Take the thawed puff pastry and place on a greased sheet pan or silpat.  With a fork lightly prick the pastry leaving a ½ inch unpunctured border on all 4 sides.

Spread the peanut butter over the pastry, again leaving the ½ inch border clean.  Spread the brown sugar over the peanut butter.

Now layer the apples and pears alternating each over the brown sugar.  Sprinkle the apples and pears lightly with the granulated sugar.

Place into a preheated 400º oven for 30 – 40 minutes until the fruit is softened and the edges of the pastry have risen and nicely browned.

When finished baking remove from the oven and allow to sit on the sheet pan on a rack for a few minutes then carefully remove to a wire rack to cool.  After it has cooled a little gently brush the apricot jam over the top of the fruit.   Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.

For a serving suggestion, try Crème Fraîche, I found one in my local grocery that had vanilla bean added and it went exceptionally well.

Asian Apple and Pear Tart with Crème Fraîche
Asian Apple and Pear Tart with Crème Fraîche

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are few items to help make this recipe:
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Baking-Mat-Professional-Nonstick/dp/B00Y5VO7F4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1465836240&sr=1-4&keywords=silpat&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=d6b5ae594a309ad59370880fd736e0fe
https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Natural-Aluminum-Commercial/dp/B000G0KJG4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1465836410&sr=1-1&keywords=sheet+pans&linkCode=ll1&tag=rantsravesa06-20&linkId=7fdaa7dc4eaeffd6bdd7bbedf580fef8

 

The Official Taste Tester
The Official Taste Tester

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very nice- loved the peanut butter, great apples and pears and I truly adored the pastry.  A 5 paw effort!!

IMG

 

 

 

 

 

Asian Apple and Pear Tart

Asian Apple and Pear Tart

Ingredients

  1. 1 thawed sheet of puff pastry
  2. 2 granny smith apples peeled and cored
  3. 2 pears peeled and cored
  4. ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  5. 1-1½ Tbsps sesame oil
  6. ½ cup (approximate) dark brown sugar
  7. 2-3 Tbsps granulated sugar
  8. 2-3 Tbsps apricot preserve + 1 Tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Peel, core and cut in half the apples and pears then slice. Put slices into water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice to keep from browning.
  2. Mix the peanut butter and the sesame oil well and taste- making sure there is enough oil to flavor the peanut butter slightly.
  3. In a small pot place the apricot preserve and the water and on medium heat melt and dissolve the preserve, once melted stir well and set aside on low heat.
  4. Take the thawed puff pastry and place on a grease sheet pan or silpat. With a fork lightly score the pastry leaving a ½ inch unpunctured border on all 4 sides.
  5. Spread the peanut butter over the pastry, again leaving the ½ inch border clean. Spread the brown sugar over the peanut butter.
  6. Now layer the apples and pears alternating each over the brown sugar. Sprinkle the apples and pears lightly with the granulated sugar.
  7. Place into a preheated 400º oven for 30 - 40 minutes until the fruit is softened and the edges of the pastry have risen and nicely browned.
  8. When finished baking remove from the oven and allow to set on the sheet pan on a rack for a few minutes then carefully remove to a wire rack to cool. After it has cooled a little gently brush the apricot jam over the top of the fruit. Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.
  9. For a serving suggestion, try Crème Fraîche, I found one in my local grocery that had vanilla bean added and it went exceptionally well.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.rantsravesandrecipes.com/asian-apple-and-pear-tart/

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoy our site and are thinking of purchasing anything from Amazon, please use the link to Amazon from our site.  It doesn’t cost you anything and we profit from the ads and purchases .  

Please help us keep our blog going by letting your friends know we’re here and by checking out the links on our front page.

copyright © rantsravesandrecipes 2016 all rights reserved