April 12, 2009

Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Whipped Chocolate Ganache


i woke up at 6:30 this morning, like my usual sunday morning. so i get up and promise myself that i will just eat breakfast start a loaf of bread and then lounge on the couch and read. that never ever happens. ever. what happens instead is that i convince myself there is some obscure reason i should bake some delicious treat. it was my birthday last weekend and i didn't have a chance to make something for myself, i have been craving chocolate cake and to top it all off i bought new piping tips friday afternoon in anticipation of making cupcakes for a friend's house warming party next weekend. like any child i just couldn't wait to play with my new toys. so add all those up and i just absolutely had to make cupcakes - i needed to.
these are delicious - this is my usual chocolate cake recipe i got from one of my ina garten books. i have been tweaking it over the past year or so and i think i have finally perfected it, you be the judge. chocolate ganache is equal to gold in this tiny apartment and what isn't better when its whipped? really everything is better with a little air mixed in; that's my theory. i can't explain to you how much i love this combo. its classic, simple, light yet decadent (i hate that phrase, but had to use it) and just enough to satisfy.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

1c flour
1c sugar
1/4c + 2tbs good quality cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2c buttermilk
1/4c vegetable oil
1 extra large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2c fresh brewed coffee

*preheat oven to 350 F and line a muffin pan
* sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder and salt. mix to combine
* in a separate bowl beat the buttermilk, oil, egg and vanilla with an electric mixer to combine
* with the mixer on slowly add in the flour mixture
* once all of the flour is incorporated add in your coffee. stir to combine
* spoon into your lined muffin tins
* bake for 20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean

WHIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE

5 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1/2c + 2tbs whipping cream
1 oz butter, softened
1c powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4c milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

*put chocolate in a large mixing bowl
*heat cream over medium heat until you see bubbles form around the edges
*pour hot cream over the chocolate,let sit untouched for 1 minute
*stir the chocolate and cream mixture until it is smooth
*add in the butter in cubes, stir until the mixture is smooth
*in a separate bowl combine the sugar, milk, salt & vanilla. mix to smooth
*add the milk mixture to the chocolate. stir to combine.
*let the mixture cool to room temp and thicken
* beat the ganache to desired constancy w/ electric mixer


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