Giada's Lemon Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Candied Lemon

Ahh, the joys of baking.  It's my therapy.  :)

Today, I'm bringing you a gorgeous, mouth-watering concoction that you will love.  This beautiful, lemon-flavored bundt cake is smothered in a delectable chocolate glaze that falls over the edges and wraps the entire cake in an oozy, goozy hug.  The cake itself is studded with little bits of candied lemons that give it both a satisfying and surprising twist with each bite.

This cake is so unexpected, thanks to the lemon.  Yet, somehow, the flavors are perfect together.  The addition of buttermilk in the cake batter helps to keep it moist and lends a wonderful texture.  I love baking with buttermilk and substitute it into all kinds of recipes whenever I can.  

Although the recipe might seem a little long, I promise it's not complicated.  It would be an ideal baking session for a lazy weekend afternoon, when you can take your time and enjoy the process.  A few tips to keep in mind would be to not cut the lemon slices too thin, and don't cook them longer than the recipe calls for. 

This cake was a big hit around our house, and I'll definitely be making this little gem again.

Bon Appetit, my friends!  :)

Lemon Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Candied Lemon
Adapted from:  Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:
Candied Lemon:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
2 lemons, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

Cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Chocolate Glaze:
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions:

For the candied lemon: Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon slices and simmer until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Finely chop the candied lemon slices. Set aside.

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a nonstick Bundt pan with vegetable spray.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. On low speed, slowly add the buttermilk and the vanilla. Stop the mixer, add the lemon zest and juice, and mix to incorporate. With the mixer on low, add the flour, one cup at a time, until combined. Finally, add the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Raise to medium speed and mix for 1 minute, until the batter is fluffy and smooth. Mix in the chopped candied lemons. With a spatula or wooden spoon, transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth out the top. Set the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden and a cake tester comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before turning it out onto a plate.

For the glaze: Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once bubbles have formed around the edges of the cream, pour it over the chocolate. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Pour the glaze over the Bundt cake, using a spatula or spoon to push the glaze down the sides and center of the cake.

Candied Lemon Slices

Grandmother Paula's Red Velvet Cake

Can you feel it?  The Christmas spirit, that is??

This time of year is magical.  My parents and grandparents made this time of year so special and unforgettable growing up.  From hearing Santa on the roof, to spotting Rudolph's shining red nose in the Christmas Eve sky, to impatiently waiting at the top of the stairs with my little sisters on Christmas morning, waiting until we were given the go-ahead to come scrambling down the stairs to see what goodies Santa had brought.

Even as an adult, those memories make this time of year just as special.

As I sit here illuminated by the glow of the Christmas tree lights, I'm thankful for the blessings that have come my way.  Among all the holiday shopping, parties, and gift wrapping, it's always fun to bake traditional Christmas goodies.    It just wouldn't be Christmas-time without some homemade sweet treats.  

When it comes to traditional holiday desserts, I can't think of any cake more reminiscent of the season than a strikingly-red, Red Velvet Cake.

This recipe from Paula Deen turned out beautifully.  I made it for our annual Christmas party/luncheon at work, and it was a big hit.  This cake had a somewhat dense, yet tender texture that was moist and perfect.  I did not use Paula's icing recipe after reading the reviews.  It incorporated melted marshmallows, and several reviewers noted that it was a little too sweet.  Instead, I used one of my favorite, classic cream cheese icing recipes and simply added a cup of shredded coconut to give it a twist.

This one will definitely be my go-to recipe in the future.  

Bon Appetit and Merry Christmas, my friends!!!

Red Velvet Cake
Adapted from:  Grandmother Paula's Red Velvet Cake, from Paula Deen

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 ounces red food coloring
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vinegar 
Cream Cheese Icing (recipe below)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. 

Mix cocoa and food coloring together and then add to sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend in vanilla. 

In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar and add to mixture. Pour batter into 3 (8-inch) round greased and floured pans. 

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Icing:

Adapted from:  Annette Harrell

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1 stick margarine, room temperature

1 lb. confectioners sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut

Ingredients:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla. Slowly add small portions of the confectioners sugar and mix on low until well blended. Stir in shredded coconut.  

Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting

As of yesterday, I am officially the big 3-0.  

I know, right?!?  YUCK. 

As it turns out though, 30 isn't so bad.  In fact, I'm pretty excited to see what the next year has in store.  If my thirties are anything like my twenties, I can only be happy.  After all, I've always been a glass half-full kind of girl.  :)

To celebrate, my sweet Brad baked me the most delicious, mouth-watering cake.  It was a strawberry cake with dark chocolate frosting.  So, if you're a fan of chocolate-covered strawberries, then friends ,this is YOUR cake! 

I've been obsessed with THIS STRAWBERRY CAKE from the first time I baked it.  I've made it countless times since, and friends and family always request it.  I got to thinking - Wouldn't it be heavenly smothered in chocolate frosting instead?  The answer?  A resounding YES!  Brad used Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa for the frosting, because we are big fans of darker chocolate.  However, you can use regular unsweetened cocoa, if you prefer.

I also recently made this cake for a bridal shower, and I served chocolate-covered strawberries on the side.  That combo was a huge hit.

Bon Appetit, my friends!

Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Cake Adapted from:  Paula Deen
Frosting Adapted from:  Hershey's Kitchens

Strawberry Cake
Ingredients:
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry flavored instant gelatin?
10 ounces fresh or frozen strawberries, stems removed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows)

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour 2 round 9-inch cake pans.

Note:  If using frozen strawberries, thaw ahead of time and bring to room temperature, reserving the juices as they thaw.  If using fresh strawberries, remove the stems.  Using a blender or food processor, puree your strawberries.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Chocolate Frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa (regular or dark, depending on your preference)

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup whole milk

1 tsp strawberry flavored extract

Directions:
Stir melted butter into cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add a small amount of additional milk, if needed. Stir in strawberry extract.
(Yields about 2 cups frosting.)

Hummingbird Cake - Southern Living

Do you like pineapples, bananas and shredded coconut?

Do you like deliciously layered cakes?

If you answered yes, then you are going to be in love with this cake.  A cake SO good, that it has actually become the most requested recipe in Southern Living magazine history!  It was originally submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, NC and featured in the February 1978 issue of the magazine.

I can remember my mom and grandmother making this years ago, and it has always been one of my favorites.  My Aunt Sheila also made it every Thanksgiving.  There's just something about the bananas mixed with the crushed pineapple in the yummy cake batter, and don't forget the scrumptious cream cheese icing smothered over each layer.  The chopped pecans on top add the perfect nutty crunch, and I like to add a little shredded coconut to mine.

I made this particular cake for my wonderful mom-in-law's birthday recently.  Everyone loved it, and several folks even went back for seconds (don't worry...I'm not naming any names!  Hah.)

If you're looking for a mouth-watering layer cake for a special occasion, look no more.  This one can't be beat!

Bon Appetit, my friends!

Hummingbird Cake
Adapted from:   Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, Southern Living, Jan. 1999

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chopped bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut 
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.

Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkling shredded coconut on top of each of the 3 frosted layers as you go.  Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.

Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 

Directions:
Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.  Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla.

Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Cake

Today, I'm feeling thankful for time spent with family this past week, flawless weather on this gorgeous Saturday, having the chance to photograph an engagement this morning (Congrats Justin & Jamie!), and I'm also thankful for stumbling upon this recipe at the beginning of summer.  

Why the beginning, you ask?  Well,  one bite of this scrumptious cake will have you dreaming of all the different summer fruits that you can top it with in the coming months.

This recipe is a major new favorite.  The batter bakes up into a delectably moist cake with a great texture (Hello, buttermilk!).  The addition of freshly whipped cream on top lends a strawberry shortcake-ness that you'll love.  Plus, it could be topped off with a wide array of different fruits.  I can't wait to get my hands on fresh peaches and blueberries at the farmers' market soon, so that I can make this again.  

The bottom line?  This cake will make you (and your tummy) very happy!

Bon Appetit, my friends!

Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Cake
Adapted from:  Macaroni & Cheesecake

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar, divided
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lb. strawberries, hulled & halved
2 cups freshly whipped cream

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 9 inch spring form  pan (may also work in a 9 inch cake pan or deep dish pie pan), set aside.

In a medium sized bowl, add flour, baking powder & salt and whisk together, set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter with 1 cup sugar until fully incorporated and light & fluffy. Add in the egg, buttermilk & vanilla and beat on medium speed just until incorporated.

Reduce mixer to low and gradually add in the flour mixture, beat until just incorporated.  Remove bowl from stand and pour batter into prepared pan.

Place the halved strawberries cut side down on to the top of the batter. Arrange them in a single layer, you may not use quite all of the strawberries, but should use most of them. Sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp. of sugar evenly over top of the cake.

Bake cake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven to 325 degrees and continue baking for 50 more minutes, until cake is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Keep cake in pan and place pan on cooling rack to cool completely.  Once cool, release outside of pan if using spring form pan.  Store cake in airtight container.  Serve topped with freshly whipped cream.

 

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake...Sinfully Delicious!

Folks, this just might be the most decadent, mouth-wateringly rich, sinfully delicious cake that I've ever made...seriously.

Brad wanted a chocolate-peanut butter cake for his birthday this year, and you know how it goes - Ask, and you shall receive!  I wanted to make my awesome hubby an extra-awesome cake this year.  I came across this recipe over at Smells Like Home, and I stopped in my web-searching tracks the minute I saw it.

It was perfect looking - Three rich, extra chocolately layers of cake were surrounded by a creamy, peanut-buttery icing.  And if THAT wasn't enough to get your mouth-watering, it was all topped off with a gorgeous layer of chocolate ganache, artfully dripping down the sides of the cake.

Seriously!?

You'd think that this cake would take hours upon hours in the kitchen to skillfully create.  The truth?  It's easy.  I promise.  Trust me!

This cake is absolutely worth every single calorie that is hiding inside of it.  The icing...OHHH the icing!  It's beyond words.  Please make this soon...You NEED this cake in your life.  :)

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Adapted from:  Sky High:  Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes, via Smitten Kitchen and  Smells Like Home

Ingredients:
For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

For the frosting:

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp plus 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For the chocolate-peanut butter ganache:

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup half-and-half

Instructions:

1. To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease (no flour is needed here) three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or baking spray. Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
2. In a very large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine them well. Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water – splashing may occur if you add it too quickly (trust me). Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and be sure the batter is well-mixed and no flour bits remain. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans – using a kitchen scale really helps to ensure the layers will be equal in size.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes on the same rack, if possible, without the cake pans touching each other, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely.
4. To make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place the peanut butter and butter.  Sift the sugar into the bowl.  Add the vanilla extract and salt.  Starting on low and gradually increasing (to prevent the sugar from covering your kitchen) the speed to medium-high, beat the ingredients until light and fluffy, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, about 3-4 minutes.  Beat in the heavy whipping cream.
5. To frost the cake: Place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand, cardboard cake round, or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup of the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with a scant amount of frosting to make a crumb coat to keep the crumbs from popping through the final frosting.  You’ll need just enough to lightly cover the cake – there’s no need to be neat here. Let the cake chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating.  Once the cake is fully frosted, chill the cake again and let it firm up before covering it with the ganache.
6. To make the ganache: In the in a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine the chocolate, peanut butter, and corn syrup. Cook, whisking often, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.  Remove from the heat and whisk in the half-and-half, beating until smooth. Use while still warm.  (I put the ganache in the fridge for a very short time, just to help it firm up a bit before adding it to the cake.  I didn't want it to be too "drippy".)
7. To decorate with the ganache:  Gently pour the ganache over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set completely. Take the cake out of the fridge about 1 hour before serving – it will be difficult to cut through the ganache if it is too cold.

Yields: 12-18 servings

Incredible Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

 

It's not often that I have time to make a recipe TWICE before posting it here on the blog, but folks, this cheesecake is so good that that's exactly what happened.  Now, this certainly won't help with any diet-related new years resolutions that you may be planning, but sometimes the calories are worth it!

My little niece requested a "chocolate cheesecake with whipped cream and cherries on top."  This beauty of a cake was the result.  I found it over on Joy of Baking, and it sounded incredible.  

You start by making a super-duper-easy chocolate crust with chocolate graham crackers and melted butter.  That's followed by an indulgent filling made with cream cheese, melted chocolate and sour cream.  It's all topped off with an easy yet heavenly ganache, made with - you guessed it - MORE chocolate.

The texture of this cake is what makes it so special.  Cheesecake is one of those things that can be tricky.  My first few experiences making cheesecake resulted in over-baked cake, because I didn't realize that the middle should still be a little wobbly when it comes out of the oven.  Also, be sure not to over-mix the filling...That can cause the top of the cake to crack.  However, the ganache topping will totally cover up any cracks in the cake, just in case that happens.

My variations:
Cake #1:  Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Whipped Cream & Cherries
The only variations worth mentioning the first time I made this cake was the addition of whipped cream and cherries to the top as decoration.  If you're going to do this, wait to add the whipped cream until ready to serve.  We had a slight whipped cream melt-down.  :)

Cake #2:  Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Coconut
For Christmas dessert, I made this cake a second time and substituted the vanilla extract with coconut extract.  I also sprinkled shredded coconut over the top of the ganache before it had a chance to firm up.  This version was actually my favorite!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photo of this cake, because it disappeared quickly into the happy tummies of my family.  :)

Bon Appetit, my friends! 

 

Incredible Triple Chocolate Cheesecake 
Adapted from:  Joy of Baking

Ingredients:
Chocolate Cheesecake Crust:
1 1/2 cups (150 grams) chocolate wafer crumbs
1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
24 ounces (680 grams) (3 - 8 ounces packages) full fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or coconut extract as noted above)
1 cup (240 ml) full fat or light sour cream, room temperature

Ganache:
4 ounces (115 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Chocolate Cheesecake Crust:

1 1/2 cups (150 grams) chocolate wafer crumbs

1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

24 ounces (680 grams) (3 - 8 ounces packages) full fat cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup (240 ml) full fat or light sour cream, room temperature

Ganache:

4 ounces (115 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateCheesecake.html#ixzz2D9XIDcen

Directions:

Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 10 inch (25 cm) spring form pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with rack in center of oven.

Crust: In a medium sized bowl combine the chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the spring form pan. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.

For Filling: Melt the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer) beat the cream cheese, on medium low speed, until smooth. Gradually beat in the sugar. Add the melted chocolate and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (about 30 seconds) after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour in the filling. Place the cheesecake pan on a larger baking pan and place in the oven.

Bake for about 50 - 55 minutes or until firm yet the center of the cheesecake will still look a little wet and wobbly. Remove from oven and carefully run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of pan to loosen the cheesecake (helps prevent the surface from cracking as it cools). Let cool and then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before covering with the ganache.

Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil.

Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for a few minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly and then pour over cheesecake. With an offset spatula or back of a spoon, evenly spread the ganache over the top of the cheesecake. Cover and return to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This cheesecake tastes best after being refrigerated for at least a day. Serve in small slices.

Serves at 12 - 16 people.

To freeze:  Place the cooled cheesecake on a baking pan and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Seal and return to freezer. Can be frozen for several months. Thaw uncovered cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight.

Chocolate Cheesecake: Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 10 inch (25 cm) spring form pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with rack in center of oven.

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateCheesecake.html#ixzz2D9WdOQ8j

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateCheesecake.html#ixzz2D9WOB4JU

Chocolate Cheesecake: Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 10 inch (25 cm) spring form pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with rack in center of oven.
Crust: In a medium sized bowl combine the chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the spring form pan. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.
For Filling: Melt the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, in the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer) beat the cream cheese, on medium low speed, until smooth. Gradually beat in the sugar. Add the melted chocolate and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (about 30 seconds) after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour in the filling. Place the cheesecake pan on a larger baking pan and place in the oven.
Bake for about 50 - 55 minutes or until firm yet the center of the cheesecake will still look a little wet and wobbly. Remove from oven and carefully run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of pan to loosen the cheesecake (helps prevent the surface from cracking as it cools). Let cool and then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before covering with the ganache.
Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for a few minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly and then pour over cheesecake. With an offset spatula or back of a spoon, evenly spread the ganache over the top of the cheesecake. Cover and return to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This cheesecake tastes best after being refrigerated for at least a day. Serve in small slices.
Serves at 12 - 16 people.

To freeze:  Place the cooled cheesecake on a baking pan and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Seal and return to freezer. Can be frozen for several months. Thaw uncovered cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight.


Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateCheesecake.html#ixzz2D9WOB4JU

Chocolate Cheesecake: Butter or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 10 inch (25 cm) spring form pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with rack in center of oven.
Crust: In a medium sized bowl combine the chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom of the spring form pan. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.
For Filling: Melt the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, in the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer) beat the cream cheese, on medium low speed, until smooth. Gradually beat in the sugar. Add the melted chocolate and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (about 30 seconds) after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour in the filling. Place the cheesecake pan on a larger baking pan and place in the oven.
Bake for about 50 - 55 minutes or until firm yet the center of the cheesecake will still look a little wet and wobbly. Remove from oven and carefully run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of pan to loosen the cheesecake (helps prevent the surface from cracking as it cools). Let cool and then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before covering with the ganache.
Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for a few minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly and then pour over cheesecake. With an offset spatula or back of a spoon, evenly spread the ganache over the top of the cheesecake. Cover and return to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This cheesecake tastes best after being refrigerated for at least a day. Serve in small slices.
Serves at 12 - 16 people.

To freeze:  Place the cooled cheesecake on a baking pan and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Seal and return to freezer. Can be frozen for several months. Thaw uncovered cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight.


Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChocolateCheesecake.html#ixzz2D9WOB4JU

Dorie's Fresh Fig Cake with a Ruby Port Wine Sauce

Fig season is short but glorious, so I try to take advantage of it every chance I can get my hands on some.  I've got 2 pints sitting in my fridge right now, and I'm trying to decide the perfect use for them...maybe this fresh Fig & Walnut Bread, or perhaps these Fig & Walnut Cookies?  So far this summer, I've made another batch of this Addictive Cinnamon-Fig Jam, and also this deliciously scrumptious Fig Cake from Dorie Greenspan.  

The great things about this cake are the additions of a small amount of yellow cornmeal to the cake batter, the ruby port wine sauce and the process of infusing the fresh figs with said ruby port sauce prior to scattering them across the top of the cake.  All of these elements produce a satisfying cake with a unique taste that's not super sweet and perfect for any fig lover in your life!

Dorie named this cake "A Fig Cake for Fall", and autumn is right around the corner...My favorite time of the year!  So, if it will be a few weeks before fresh figs are available in your area, be sure to bookmark this recipe.  You'll be so glad that you did! 

Bon Appetit, my friends!  :)

A Fig Cake for Fall

Adapted from:  "Baking: From My Home to Yours", by Dorie Greenspan

Makes 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
3/4 cup ruby port
1 cup honey, divided
2 thin slices lemon
16-20 fresh figs, stemmed and halved
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably medium grind
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
grated zest 1/2 lemon
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces, at room temperature
3 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Stir the port and 1/2 cup honey together in small saucepan. Add lemon slices and bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat. Add figs, cover, and cook 4-6 minutes, or until figs are soft but not falling apart. Using a slotted spoon, transfer figs to a bowl. Raise the heat to medium and cook the liquid for 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened; the syrup should coat a metal spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter the paper. Dust the inside of the pan with flour, tapping out the excess. Put the pan on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a separate bowl, add sugar and lemon zest; rub together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist. Add butter. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition. Pour in remaining 1/2 cup honey, and the vanilla extract; beat for 2 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low, add dry ingredients, and mix until just incorporated. The batter will be fairly thick. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and jiggle the pan from side to side to even out the batter. Scatter poached figs over the top.

5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the cake is puffed and golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack and cool for 10 minutes before running a blunt knife around the edges and releasing the sides of the pan. Cool the cake slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Drizzle slices with wine sauce.