Chocolate Ganache Cake

Barefoot Contessa Parties!
Ina Garten
The Contessa's sixteen theme party menus are designed to maximize relaxation while eliminating all the fuss. A chocolate ganache cake is the star of the book. Colour photos. $45.00.

Makes one 8-inch cake

This foolproof recipe comes from Devon Fredericks and Susan Costner, who wrote the first Loaves and Fishes Cookbook in 1978. You can make this fabulous cake up to a week in advance. Wrap it tightly with plastic and refrigerate. Glaze it the day you serve it. We've made this cake into everything from bite-sized cupcakes to wedding cakes for 600 people.

1/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 extra large eggs at room temperature
1 16-ounce can Hershey's chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the ganache

1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces good semisweet choclate chips
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Candied violets or edible gold leaf, for decoration (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the chocolate syrup and vanilla. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Don't overbeat, or the cake will be tough.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until just set in the middle. Don't overbake! Let cool thoroughly in the pan.

For the ganache, cook the heavy cream, chocolate chips and instant coffee in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally.

Place the cake upside down on a wire rack and pour the glaze evenly ove the top, making sure to cover the entire cake and sides. You can tilt the rack to smooth the glaze. Decorate with candied violets, if desired, or gently crumble the gold leaf and place it on the centre of the cake. Do not refrigerate.

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Please note that all prices are in Canadian dollars, and are subject to change without notice.

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