Cook the Book: The Serious Eats Chocolate Lover's Library
This week's Cook the Book is a little different—and sweeter—than most. Usually, we feature one book the entire week, excerpting adapted recipes as the days go by. This week, in honor of Valentine's Day, we've put together a list of our favorite books on chocolate, and we'll be featuring a recipe from each.
First up is Alice Medrich's Bittersweet
Bittersweet is indispensable for anyone who loves baking with bittersweet chocolate. Each of Medrich's recipes is tailored to the stuff, and the book covers every question you might have about substituting one type of chocolate for another, how to decorate with chocolate, and almost anything else you'd want to know about the confection.
Win the Serious Eats Chocolate Library
You can win Bittersweet, along with four other fantastic chocolate books (to be revealed as the week progresses) by answering the following question in the comments:
What is your favorite chocolate recipe?
One (1) winner will be chosen at random from among the comments of this post. Comments will be open until 6 p.m. ET February 12. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Best Cocoa Brownies
- makes 16 large or 25 smaller brownies -
Adapted from Bittersweet by Alice Merich. These brownies have a soft center and chewy candylike crust because almost all the fat in them comes from butter and all the sugar is regular granulated rather than the sugar content of the chocolate. Be sure to use the finest quality cocoa you can find for this recipe.
Ingredients
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cold large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)
Equipment
8-inch square baking pan
Procedure
1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.
2. Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl; set bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until butter is melted and mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove bowl from skillet; set aside briefly until mixture is only warm, not hot.
3. Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each. When batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour; stir until you cannot see it any longer. Beat vigorously for 40 strokes with wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Stir in the nuts, if using. Spread evenly in lined pan.
4. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.
5. Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil liner; transfer brownies to cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares.
Note: Any unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder works well here. Natural cocoa yields brownies with more flavor complexity and lots of tart, fruity notes. Durch-process cocoa results in a darker brownie with a mellower, old-fashioned chocolate pudding flavor.
Comments are closed: 264 Comments:
Caramel-Dark Chocolate Truffles with Fluer de Sel: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/109085
I make these every year and I never get tired of them!
peachfish at 4:51PM on 02/11/08
Nigella Lawson's Chocohotopots. I've made them time and again, as well as several variations!
OneWallKitchen at 4:58PM on 02/11/08
the above recipe is my goto brownie recipe and is one of my most requested items I make.
as for one of my personal faves... it would have to be the triple chocolate pudding pie.... it's insanely rich and fattening, but so so good... usually reserved for holidays.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/108325
Alm25 at 4:59PM on 02/11/08
Wolfgang Puck's chocolate souffle recipe I found on the food network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_19392,00.html
cacao at 5:01PM on 02/11/08
Alton Brown's Cocoa Brownies
jasmall at 5:06PM on 02/11/08
My favorite simple chocolate recipe that I turn to again and again is Nigella Lawson's recipe for Granny Boyd's cookies, which are dark, stubby, melting, and not very sweet (though this is adapted slightly).
2 c. self-rising flour
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. softened unsalted butter
Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then add pre-sifted dry ingredients. It may seem too dry at first, but keep stirring and it should come together in a thick dough. Make walnut-sized balls of dough and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, then flatten with the tines of a fork. Bake the cookies at 325 F for five minutes, then lower the heat to 300 F for the last 10-15 minutes. Cookies are done when slightly hard on top; they harden considerably on cooling, so watch out. Cool completely on racks before eating.
Christina at 5:07PM on 02/11/08
You really can't beat brownies, and in fact, this is my all-time favorite brownie recipe (with some extra bittersweet chocolate chunks thrown in).
jedimtb at 5:12PM on 02/11/08
my favorite is black forest cake
jennywren at 5:16PM on 02/11/08
I don't have a favorite because I don't eat chocolate, but this would make a great gift
feelgood at 5:17PM on 02/11/08
Go to store. Buy hershey bar. Open package. Eat.
mellymel at 5:19PM on 02/11/08
Crescent Dragonwagon's chocolate bread pudding. It's a brownie! It's a bread pudding! It's a chocolate torte! It's everything I ever want in a chocolate dessert and then some.
onalark at 5:24PM on 02/11/08
Barefoot Contessa's Chocolate Buttercream Frosting for Cakes.
www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_116777,00.html
I made this over the weekend and thought about it all night..............CREAMY!
Hunnyoil at 5:28PM on 02/11/08
For myself, it is Cook's Illustrated's Chocolate-Chunk Oatmeal Cookies with Pecans and Dried Cherries made with SchaffenBerger Bittersweet Chocolate.
For my husband, a simple chocolate cake recipe from the Joy of Cooking that just happens to be dairy-free. I leave out the vanilla to emphasize the chocolate flavor.
m0pngl0w at 5:30PM on 02/11/08
The Grit's Vegan Chocolate Death Cake. Nothing else comes close - this is the most heavenly, decadent cake I've ever eaten. We even served it at our wedding!
blgrimes at 5:33PM on 02/11/08
my fav chocolate recipe is the brownie recipe from the Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys & Girls from my childhood. We now use high quality cocoa, and have tweaked it a bit...but....yum, chocolate memories.
javal at 5:38PM on 02/11/08
Ina Garten's Outrageous Chocolate Brownies!
JEP at 5:40PM on 02/11/08
I'm loving this recipe for chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
sfbookgirl at 5:40PM on 02/11/08
For something simple yet yummy, it's got to be Dorie's World Peace Cookies!
dreamsicle at 5:42PM on 02/11/08
I love my mom's chocolate brownie recipe with mocha frosting. They are dense, fudgy and amazing.
catalu at 5:42PM on 02/11/08
Now that I think of it, I usually don't cook with chocolate. It's just so perfect in it's native state (chocolate bars grow on trees right?) I'd have to say my favorite chocolate recipe is this one, for hershey's chocolate cake. It doesn't make anything spectacular, but when I made it for a class event in 4th grade, it was the first time I realized that you could make cake without using a box.
fermezporte at 5:43PM on 02/11/08
I love brownies!
alcopop at 5:44PM on 02/11/08
The one I made last night. Standard rice crispy recipe expect substitute: CoCo Crispies (or CoCoa Pebbles works great too) and chocolate marshmallows. Let cool and set, Cut into squares and dip ½ into melted dark chocolate, the other ½ into melted white chocolate. Eat!
Crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty!
jsachs500 at 5:46PM on 02/11/08
I have a fudge recipe that my mom taught me 40 years ago that I love. The closest I've seen to it is an old Hershey's, but the amount of milk is different. It's melt-in-your-mouth yummy :-)
CharJTF at 5:48PM on 02/11/08
espresso chocolate cookie. i clipped this recipe from a newspaper awhile ago.
sillylil at 5:50PM on 02/11/08
Ina Garten's outrageous brownies!
pupilindenial at 5:52PM on 02/11/08
I love the America's Test Kitchen chocolate cake and brownies recipes!
ebarrett at 5:55PM on 02/11/08
standby chocolate chip cookies
miamia at 5:56PM on 02/11/08
Nutella brownies from Nook & Pantry.... they are perfection!
karlamei at 6:04PM on 02/11/08
I'm torn between a chocolate-pistachio pate' with raspberry cream or Al Sicherman's Brownie in a Cloud (chocolate chunk brownies in whipped cream with chocolate sauce).
Nezrite at 6:05PM on 02/11/08
Triple chocolate brownies - unsweetened and bittersweet chocolates, with chocolate chips mixed in. Yum.
dowbits at 6:11PM on 02/11/08
Boule de neige -- basically flourless chocolate cake topped with whipped cream. The best!
lam43 at 6:18PM on 02/11/08
tollhouse chocolate chip cookies!!!!
dmarina at 6:18PM on 02/11/08
My favorite chocolate recipe is a chocolate pudding recipe from Mosewood Cookbook.
rffoodie at 6:20PM on 02/11/08
From the Williams-Sonoma Cookies cookbook I received as a wedding gift, one of my favorite cookies and certainly my favorite use of chocolate:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwiches
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
Filling:
4 TBL butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
Cream the butter until fluffy. Add sugar and beat thoroughly. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt. Add to butter mixture, stir until just blended. Chill dough 2 hours.
Shape dough into balls (3/4 inch) and place on greased cookie sheets. Flatten each slightly. Bake at 350*F until firm, 10-12 min. Allow cookies to cool completely. Make filling: Combine butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Cool until required. Make sandwiches of the cookies and filling, about 1 1/2 tsp filling per cookie. Store in a cool place.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Now I'm thinking about them, but it's way too late to begin baking... Woe!
parsecstogo at 6:23PM on 02/11/08
I can't pick an absolute favourite, but this Chocolate Stout Cake is a leading contender: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/107105
chloe103 at 6:23PM on 02/11/08
My chocolate cake recipe, but it's a secret.
oneperfectegg at 6:35PM on 02/11/08
It would be brownies - always perfect for a chocolate fix!!
deborahm4 at 6:36PM on 02/11/08
Definitely the chocolate cake with rosemary custard that I made a few years back.
I've got the recipe online in my cookbook here: http://community.livejournal.com/untitled/21559.html
I must say- since having it, many friends clamored for the recipe.
EtherMaiden at 6:36PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate lava cupcakes.
KarynMC at 6:39PM on 02/11/08
Plain old chocolate mousse from Julia Child. It's a classic!
justjoan at 6:42PM on 02/11/08
Emeril's recipe for Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes:
http://recipes.egullet.org/recipes/r1925.html
srhcb at 6:43PM on 02/11/08
This happens to be the brownie recipe I've been loving lately - I'm excited to see all the links in the comments though!
ansate at 6:46PM on 02/11/08
Millennium's chocolate almond midnight. But it's so complicated I've only made it twice!
squiggle at 6:47PM on 02/11/08
emily luchetti's fudge cookies from 'a passion for ice cream.' delicious even without the ice cream!
skim at 6:52PM on 02/11/08
my mother-in-law's brownies
wisekaren at 6:59PM on 02/11/08
chocolate souffle
winkyj at 7:00PM on 02/11/08
I have this recipe for brownies that I've made so many times that I can make it from start-to-finish (including clean-up) in just an hour.
Vincci at 7:14PM on 02/11/08
To date, my favorite chocolate recipe is the Marbled Cheesecake Brownie recipe for the Edge baking pan:
http://www.bakersedge.com/PDF/MarbledCheesecakeBrownies.pdf
The chocolate brownie base is dense, fudgy, chocolatey, and So Good.
threedogkitchen at 7:15PM on 02/11/08
Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies. Always trust a fat chef.
cdziuba at 7:16PM on 02/11/08
elizabeth david's flourless chocolate cake.
cybercita at 7:17PM on 02/11/08
I love my chocolate cheesecake. It's really chocolatey, not just brown. My recipe's a secret, though, so if you want to try some you'll have to come over to my place ;)
ScienceandtheCity at 7:17PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate mousse
louiseb130 at 7:17PM on 02/11/08
here is one of my favorites. I used to get it at a local ice cream stand but now I just make them at home. peel bananas & insert a popsicle stick . then the fun part...dip in melted chocolate and freeze...great in the summer!
joni514 at 7:21PM on 02/11/08
Ina Garten's Outrageous Chocolate Brownies
joanne117 at 7:22PM on 02/11/08
Pierre Herme's brownies. Any good brownies, really, but must be fudgy, may have walnuts. No frostings, please.
renzata at 7:23PM on 02/11/08
homemade toffe
mverno at 7:24PM on 02/11/08
triple chocolate brownies
chromiumman at 7:24PM on 02/11/08
Alton Brown's brownies
buffyholic at 7:27PM on 02/11/08
nutella chocolate and hazelnut cake
tracker at 7:30PM on 02/11/08
Individual Winter Spiced Molten Chocolate Cakes, located here:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/109054
Ditch the proposed rum-ginger ice cream mixture (messy and not that tasty) and serve with Gale Gand's Mascarpone Ice Cream with Crystallized Ginger, located here:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_16305,00.html
I recommend adding a half teaspoon of ground ginger before processing the ice cream and having a little extra chopped crystallized ginger to sprinkle on top when you serve. Ridiculously good. Plus, if you have only two or three people to eat the cakes, you can prepare the entire recipte and bake up to two days later. Yum!!!!!
And don't forget, you easily can make enough cocoa-cinnamon merengue cookies with the leftover egg whites to please a crowd!!
Mizbee at 7:31PM on 02/11/08
I love the barefoot contessa's chocolate expresso cheesecake , oh so rich and udderly heaven.
missfionak at 7:36PM on 02/11/08
I've made so many batches of brownies that I don't even have to look at the recipe anymore.
Vegetarianka at 7:41PM on 02/11/08
My favourite is a chocolate cake recipe that my mom clipped from a magazine many years ago. It's similar to many flourless chocolate cakes, but if I remember correctly (and I don't have the recipe handy to check) it does have some flour.
ikkinlala at 7:49PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate dipped strawberries (with yogurt mint dip especially) get a big thumbs up since they're super simple.
But my mother's "spider cookies" are my number 1 choice.
torrig at 7:49PM on 02/11/08
Ina Garten's outrageous brownies.
blondiebrownie at 7:56PM on 02/11/08
Mine would be a family recipe that is for Chocolate nut fudge. Delicious. My grandmother use to make it and than passed the recipe onto my mother and now me. We make this every Christmas. Yummy.
peg42 at 7:59PM on 02/11/08
My mother in law's chocolate mousse - required at every major holiday.
cvandeven at 8:01PM on 02/11/08
chocolate cake recipe
llinda29 at 8:02PM on 02/11/08
I love my husband's chocolate caramel cheesecake.
fangirl at 8:04PM on 02/11/08
I love dark chocolate and I make a recipe for toffee bars with dark chocolate and saltine crackers. Everyone loves this recipe.
sk8fancat at 8:04PM on 02/11/08
My chocolate marble cheesecake is my family's absolute favorite chocolate dessert. The recipe comes from Better Homes and Garden magazine.
mvance at 8:07PM on 02/11/08
boca negra cake
ricedream24 at 8:08PM on 02/11/08
a whoopie pie recipe that came with my cookie sheet, turned out really rich (calls for both semi and bittersweet chocolate as well as cocoa)
I'm still experimenting with brownie recipes.
I also like a recipe for spicy chocolate cookies that I got out of Real Simple magazine. It calls for cayenne pepper, but it's really subtle.
bingsy at 8:11PM on 02/11/08
Swirled white and bittersweet chocolate mousse on a flourless chocolate cake torte.
cocolat at 8:13PM on 02/11/08
orangette's chocolate almond madeleines
Marilyn at 8:13PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate souffles with a little bit of red pepper -- yum!
hellokiki at 8:13PM on 02/11/08
cocoa yogurt cookies
SelimaCat at 8:16PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate cake and icing from back of Hershey's cocoa can.
tsegada at 8:17PM on 02/11/08
Flourless chocolate cake, brownies, chocolate ice cream, molten chocolate cakes, etc. etc.
Eilen at 8:22PM on 02/11/08
World Peace Cookies
ghinson at 8:26PM on 02/11/08
Dorie Greenspan's chocolate pudding
carusoc at 8:26PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate chip cookies.
karen r at 8:26PM on 02/11/08
chocolate mousse
bibliothecaire at 8:27PM on 02/11/08
I absolutely adore Rose Levy Beranbaum's Cocoa Brownies and think they are the best. However, I'm now wondering if I should give Alice's recipe a try. Both recipes are quite similar. Very little flour. Same ratio of cocoa powder to butter. I think I'll try both recipes side by side and compare...talk about brownies overload!
Natalie at 8:30PM on 02/11/08
My chocolate lava cake recipe. It can be made ahead, put in the fridge and then baked when you're ready to eat! Mmmm
sueb84 at 8:42PM on 02/11/08
my chocolate truffle cake recipe--it takes all of 10 minutes to put together, cooks for 10 minutes, and is the richest, most delicious, mmm-great-tasting dessert. I always bring it to potlucks, and it's the first dish to disappear!
starmaid at 8:45PM on 02/11/08
brownies - from a recipe i got in the washington post. and like every other brownie recipe, i omit the nuts and add chocolate chips!
woodenspoon at 8:49PM on 02/11/08
My homemade chocolate marshmallow ice cream.
mhgatti at 8:53PM on 02/11/08
White Chocolate Cheesecake with White Chocolate Brandy Sauce.
Found this recipe on allrecipes.com a few years ago. Have made it several times to rave reviews. Excellant for Chocolate and cheesecake lovers. Which I happen to be both.
slcrose at 8:57PM on 02/11/08
My MawMaw's chocolate pie is my favorite chocolate recipe! I've eaten it at every holiday for as long as I can remember.
http://rmfo-blogs.com/brandi/2007/11/25/the-most-bestest-dessert-of-all-time/
brandi at 8:57PM on 02/11/08
oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips and dried cranberries
LesDuLunch at 8:59PM on 02/11/08
Tollhouse cake with a chocolate glaze.
jviddy at 9:13PM on 02/11/08
Alton Brown's Cocoa Brownies
pcbdolphins at 9:15PM on 02/11/08
The Supernatural Brownies on the Splendid Table recipe site.
jessie at 9:15PM on 02/11/08
The first cake that I could make from scratch in college, Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake with their Perfectly Chocolate Frosting. It's also the first cake that I realized how disgustingly bad (and good) cake was for you with all the butter and sugar. But it sure didn't stop me and my roommate from making/devouring them!
uninorth at 9:19PM on 02/11/08
I know this sounds desparate ... but my favorite chocolate desert is my husband's triple chocolate bundt cake. It's just a plain chocolate cake mix, except he adds chocolate chips IN the cake, a chocolate glaze / frosting ON the cake, and chocolate pieces ON TOP of the cake. Just for fun he mixes up the kinds of chocolate he uses. WOW!
lorikeller1 at 9:29PM on 02/11/08
Has to be the simple Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie warm out of the oven.
rml586 at 9:34PM on 02/11/08
Anything chocolate will do for me! But my all time favorite is a rich dark fudge cake with seafoam icing, soft pudding filling & covered with black walnuts that my grandmother always made for my birthday.
cakeladysbk at 9:37PM on 02/11/08
Flourless chocolate thing I make. But it looks like I am going to have to track down Ina Garten's brownie recipe!
mrsglowtone at 9:38PM on 02/11/08
really good chocolate covered strawberries or Auntie Bub's hot fudge sauce
mrsmoosie at 9:39PM on 02/11/08
Either chocolate lava cakes (topped with creme anglaise) or chocolate marquis with raspberries and whipped cream. Both are absolutely amazing and very chocolatey!
jenberger at 9:39PM on 02/11/08
I love just about anything chocolate, but brownies are a big favorite.
amylou61 at 9:40PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate covered strawberries
Faither at 9:40PM on 02/11/08
David Leibovitz's Chocolate-Covered Caramelized Matzoh Crunch
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2008/01/chocolatecovere.html
UHmazing!
merav13 at 9:49PM on 02/11/08
Can't beat AB's brownies - http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_17907,00.html
kwatz at 9:50PM on 02/11/08
An over-the-top-need-a-glass-of-milk-please-dark-Dark-DARK-chocolate cake. with raspberries =D
vchen87 at 10:15PM on 02/11/08
Molten chocolate cake. In a pinch, Trader Joe's will do. I also love pain du chocolat!
chocolatelover at 10:16PM on 02/11/08
Big sweet strawberries dipped in melted dark chocolate-healthy and delicious., are a big winner in our house.
CarolHarrity at 10:20PM on 02/11/08
Chocolate Truffle Cookies
http://www.recipezaar.com/146263
These beauties are always a showstopper!
Thanks!
Suebee at 10:22PM on 02/11/08
Thomas Keller's Molten Chocolate Souffles from Sax's Classic Home Desserts
pfibiger at 10:22PM on 02/11/08
9th Floor Brownies...I think I know it by heart...
2 squares unsweetened chocolate melted with 1 cube butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup floor
pinch salt
the best ever brownie recipe
lilyrose63 at 10:23PM on 02/11/08
Tollhouse cookies
kktwins at 10:26PM on 02/11/08
Perhaps this is not a recipe but a method specifically for "sipping" chocolate, served with heavy whipped cream and shaved chocolate on the side.
In a bain marie, I melt 2 pounds El Rey Dark Venezuelan chocolate (El Bucare Dark 58.5%), stirring constantly.Then add 1/2 c of heavy cream, bring ingredients to a very low simmer and then turn heat off. Ladle mixture into espresso cups and serve with sides mentioned above and serve immediately. If desired, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon can be added to taste. Imagine... soothing and decadent... all at the same time. This is a Christmas favorite at my house.
ceecy at 10:28PM on 02/11/08
Pierre Herme's chocolate sables with fleur de sel
linda at 10:32PM on 02/11/08
chocolate no bake cookies are one of our favorites!
jmahurin40 at 10:37PM on 02/11/08
I make a mean dark chocolate hot fudge sauce
iahawk89 at 10:45PM on 02/11/08
Nestles chocolate chip cookies
inkypleez at 10:46PM on 02/11/08
Easy Chocolate Cake, available here:
http://www.cacaoweb.net/easy-chocolate-cake.html
jkershen at 10:49PM on 02/11/08
best chocolate recipe: hot drinking chocolate made with really good quality dark chocolate. i usually use the callebaut i keep around for baking, unless i have something better; 70% makes my favorite drink. melt into milk. whisk constantly. add either (1) a splash of frangelico or (2) a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne. whip cream to barely soft peaks. top. drink.
pure chocolately heaven.
-- Us vs. Food
thursdaynightsmackdown at 10:49PM on 02/11/08
Dark chocolate ice cream. From here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mckaig/2253397846/in/pool-seriouseats
mckaig at 10:50PM on 02/11/08
Favorite? Right now I would like the really rich chocolate-rum-walnut pie that I made at Thanksgiving. Mmmmm!
etyper333 at 10:51PM on 02/11/08
Devil's Food Cake with Fudge Icing!
ladypawnbroker at 10:53PM on 02/11/08
We have a recipe for a flourless chocolate cake that is too decadent to print!
beano at 10:55PM on 02/11/08
Mississippi mud cake !
momrec at 10:58PM on 02/11/08
love it
vergie at 11:07PM on 02/11/08
Flourless Chocolate Cake from Williams-Sonoma's Cakes, Cupcakes & Cheesecakes cookbook - easy and delicious
edinat at 11:10PM on 02/11/08
almost anything from Alice Medrich or Dorie Greenspan
gorzd at 11:18PM on 02/11/08
i love the recipe for chocolate chip cookies on the back of the ghirardelli's milk chocolate chips bag :)
tlinjang at 11:18PM on 02/11/08
the recipe for Fudge that comes off the back of the marshmallow fluff container - I believe it is called "Never Fail Fudge" and it never fails to satisfy EVER! :) my grandma has been baking it since before my mom can remember and I carry on the tradition.
krispychikin at 11:19PM on 02/11/08
One of my favorites is a fairly basic black bean chili, only I add a huge heaping tablespoon full of Hershey's Special Dark cocoa. You can't actually taste the chocolate, but it adds depth to the other hot and savory spices. People go nuts for it!
If I want sweet chocolate, nothing beats Nigella's chocolate gingerbread recipe from "Feast." Don't bother icing, no one has ever thought it really needed it.
mysteryb at 11:20PM on 02/11/08
chocolate bread pudding or self saucing chocolate pudding
missmicker at 11:28PM on 02/11/08
chocolate pudding cakes!
pumpkinspice at 11:29PM on 02/11/08
i have an emergency standby: Ritz crackers, peanut butter and melting chocolate. I make a few ritz p.b. sandwiches; melt the chocolate; dip the cracker sandwiches; then put in the fridge to set. Within 15 minutes I have a tasty treat!
ScoobyPebb at 11:43PM on 02/11/08
Definately french chocolate silk pie!
yellowlabs at 11:50PM on 02/11/08
chocolate cake wit chocolate buttercream
Schlauberger at 12:01AM on 02/12/08
Mine's simple, chocolate pudding!
humbleh at 12:04AM on 02/12/08
I like the Scharffen Berger John's Favorite Brownies recipe.
chocolaw at 12:10AM on 02/12/08
oh man I do love anything Ina Garten makes, too... but it's gotta be dark chocolate box mix brownies, subtract a tbsp liquid and replace with kahlua, add 1 oz each chopped semisweet and chopped unsweet high-quality baking chocolate... heaven in a pan!!!
dancingwithmyFather at 12:11AM on 02/12/08
chocolate chip cookies
spookyone23 at 12:15AM on 02/12/08
mexican chocolate chile cookies
tortor at 12:23AM on 02/12/08
My great grandmother's recipe for choc. cake with white icing.
Scoggdog at 12:45AM on 02/12/08
Hershey's best chocolate brownies
nvtribefan at 12:48AM on 02/12/08
I can eat a boat-load of chocolate-chip cookies. My current favorite is
Jacques Torres's Secret Chocolate Chip cookie recipe.
http://www.marthastewart.com/jacques-torress-secret-chocolate-chip-cookies
VirtualFrolic at 12:48AM on 02/12/08
Grandma's brownie recipe or chocolate chip cookies... yes the toll house recipe, may not be the greatest but definitely a classic!
bobfole at 12:58AM on 02/12/08
Alice Medrich's chocolate ganache tart in Joy of Cooking.
mreichle at 1:04AM on 02/12/08
brownies!
anniehall4000 at 1:20AM on 02/12/08
lava cake, mmmmmm
samanthapayntr at 1:26AM on 02/12/08
My famous Chocolate Cobbler!
Erinay77 at 1:33AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate covered strawberries: Melt chocolate pieces in a double boiler, add a few drops heavy cream, stir well, dip strawberries, enjoy!
AsTheNight at 2:21AM on 02/12/08
Eggbeater/Shuna's Devils Food Cake with sour cream-choolate frosting. Delicious!
michellelikestoeat at 2:28AM on 02/12/08
Delicious and decadent Mississippi Mud Pie. Nirvana on a plate, I swear!
SparklingDiamond at 2:52AM on 02/12/08
truffles!
sw8t at 3:59AM on 02/12/08
German Chocolate Cake. My mom always made this recipe for my birthday cake.
countrybear07 at 5:28AM on 02/12/08
death by chocolate cake
hansenpj5 at 5:50AM on 02/12/08
rachael rays easy fudge
sandy89 at 6:02AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake.
clc408 at 6:05AM on 02/12/08
My favorite recipe is Hershey's Best Brownies. I double the recipe and add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. It's heavenly!
Kmelion at 6:38AM on 02/12/08
Rosie's Bakery Chocolate Babycakes - they're like miniature chocolate souffles. yum!
Cookieeater at 6:43AM on 02/12/08
red velvet cake!
agordon10 at 7:19AM on 02/12/08
My mother's scratch chocolate cake
Faither at 7:19AM on 02/12/08
My mother's chocolate silk pie! The best!
dglitter at 7:44AM on 02/12/08
A simple chocolate souffle made with dark chocolate and some strawberries on the side.
slgdolphin at 7:52AM on 02/12/08
as plebeian as it may be, i love chocolate puddin' cake...
weeblet at 7:58AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate cheese cake.
richtortora at 8:10AM on 02/12/08
German Chocolate Cake which I never get because my son is allergic to tree nuts.
idahomom at 8:11AM on 02/12/08
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
PREHEAT oven to 350º F.
COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chunks. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set but still soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
blueviolet at 8:19AM on 02/12/08
Depends on amount of time available: Rose Levy's Domingo chocolate cake is absolutely wonderful (Cake Bible). If no time to bake & am anywhere near a Neiman Marcus, then get their espresso chocolate cookies. They are closer to a fudgy brownie than a cookie & are lethal when slightly warmed & paired w/ a cappuccino. Yum. :)
gnomchik at 8:19AM on 02/12/08
Brownies
feep at 8:21AM on 02/12/08
My favorite chocolate recipe is a cake called the Decadent Chocolate Cake.
dbrooksismyhero at 8:22AM on 02/12/08
my cousin makes these christmas cookies, she layers Oblaten (thin paperlike wafers) with chocolate filling, about 5 layers and oh they are so good.
nicnac at 8:24AM on 02/12/08
Space cakes--Marijuana and chocolate.
drming5k at 8:27AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate cheesecake cupcakes!
http://www.favoritebrandrecipes.com/Recipes/255/1922001255.htm
Sarajahii at 8:36AM on 02/12/08
Rocky Road Pie
Jaleigh78 at 8:42AM on 02/12/08
1. Open bar of white chocolate.
2. Consume.
3. Repeat as necessary.
AaronBSam at 8:46AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate chocolate chip cookies!
KAS423 at 8:53AM on 02/12/08
CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE :)~~~~~~~~~
klp1965 at 8:53AM on 02/12/08
Brownies, but I'd be hard pressed to pick one specific recipe.
BigGUM at 8:57AM on 02/12/08
Brownies from How to Cook Everything
earlybirdkate at 9:01AM on 02/12/08
fudge and brownies would be my favorites
bison61 at 9:13AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate cake from the back of Hershey's cocoa box.
deedleweedle at 9:20AM on 02/12/08
Molten chocolate cake. No need for much besides chocolate, butter and eggs. MMMMMM.
tkln at 9:24AM on 02/12/08
My very own dark milk chocolate ice cream recipe I came up with a few years back. SCoured through all my ice cream books and worked a few different ones into one that will someday make me a thousandaire!
superdlux at 9:24AM on 02/12/08
A very simple hot chocolate recipe using cocoa powder, sugar, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Mix with milk or soybean juice (I refuse to call it soymilk) and put in the microwave. I know it's probably best to use bar chocolate and the stovetop, but it still puts warmth back in your bones.
Jikuu at 9:33AM on 02/12/08
Ina Garten's brownies.
dimsumfan at 9:49AM on 02/12/08
Brownie Pudding Cake. It just doesn't get any better than that. Ever.
ErikaWaz at 9:52AM on 02/12/08
Freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies, but home-made brownies such as the listed recipe are also highly ranked on my list....
madeas at 9:54AM on 02/12/08
Can't go wrong with Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies!
atreau at 9:59AM on 02/12/08
Julia's "Best-Ever Brownies" from Baking with Julia (also available online several places, including this one: http://www.recipezaar.com/99113).
hobnob at 9:59AM on 02/12/08
Ruth Reichl's "artpark brownies"
kylad at 10:09AM on 02/12/08
All I need to be transported to heaven is a half-melted Andes mint...or 12. Finger licking is required.
grace24 at 10:16AM on 02/12/08
I've been making Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (Neiman Marcus) cookies for over 20 years and I Still Love Them!
kslady54 at 10:16AM on 02/12/08
The Triple Chocolate Mousse from "Cocolat" is superb - has been a Passover dessert staple for years.
selizara at 10:20AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate Ganache Truffles, ala Mark Bittman...
gb944 at 10:26AM on 02/12/08
I'm a big fan of insta-turtles (Rolos, pecans, mini-pretzels, and a hot oven for 6 minutes.) I'm also huge on a single scoop of vanilla ice cream and a big, warm chocolate chip cookie.
louispound at 10:26AM on 02/12/08
Fantasy Fudge...
Recipe right on the side of the marshmellow cream...
Iron
ironcurtain at 10:28AM on 02/12/08
No bake cookies.
greenwolf at 10:30AM on 02/12/08
The deep, dark chocolate cake from the Hershey's chocolate cookbook. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
apisoni at 10:32AM on 02/12/08
chocolate cake.
dove1960 at 10:34AM on 02/12/08
the brownies i make almost every week if we have company or to bring to ppl's houses
mrsbao at 10:40AM on 02/12/08
nigella's chocohotopots
i8alot at 10:43AM on 02/12/08
Ghirardelli's Triple Fudge Brownie mix... They're the absolutely best brownies I have ever tasted!!!!!!
MadelynRodriguez at 10:44AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate Cake (recipe from Baked in New York) with my own salted caramel buttercream!
meganaw at 10:51AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate peanut butter layer brownies from Gourmet Magazine (on Food Network's website). Fantastically ooey gooey!
rmaddox00 at 10:58AM on 02/12/08
olive oil brownies
hedgehog at 11:10AM on 02/12/08
My favorite chocolate recipe is still my mom's wacky cake recipe with the frosting recipe off the box of cocoa. Simple. Simply delicious.
dallimomma at 11:13AM on 02/12/08
homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream!!!!
hoosier cook at 11:22AM on 02/12/08
chocolate fondue, my mom's brownies, choc. chip cookies. yum!
bobcatsteph3 at 11:30AM on 02/12/08
These things change, depending on the season. At the moment my favorite is pumpkin chocolate chip cake with warm home-made caramel as a glaze. When spring comes, it might be our friend's 3 chocolate cheesecake.
Stufsocker at 11:43AM on 02/12/08
Chocolate brownies - from the recipe off the back of the Nestle Cocoa can.
sjwoodin at 11:53AM on 02/12/08
My favorite recipe is dipping pretzels in chocolate!YUM
vmkids at 11:55AM on 02/12/08
brownies-can't pick a fave particular recipe since I'm a sucker for all!
psychsarah at 12:07PM on 02/12/08
Milk chocolate chip cookies
lfosses at 12:10PM on 02/12/08
chocolate chip cookies-change the recipe to suit your taste
garrettsambo at 12:12PM on 02/12/08
Mom's homemade chocolate brownies
sdeas at 12:15PM on 02/12/08
the first taste of freshly made chocolate ganache with a nice cold spoon :)
sfpaulina at 12:18PM on 02/12/08
Devils food cookies - you start with a box mix, make balls, roll in powdered sugar, and bake. So quick and easy, always a favorite at parties!
bluedazy2 at 12:20PM on 02/12/08
ooey gooey chocolate brownies...yummm!
ssommerville at 12:23PM on 02/12/08
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/11839
Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies - I double the cheesecake part and if I am feeling lazy, I use Betty Crocker's Brownie mix - the one with the Hershey's packet - and toss in some bittersweet choclate chips or shavings......mmm
irishcook at 12:25PM on 02/12/08
I make brownies most often, but I love ganache and Patricia Wells's recipe for chocolate mousse in her bistro cookbook is the BEST!
Lippy at 12:30PM on 02/12/08
Chocolate hazelnut ravioli's ......
AICORP at 12:38PM on 02/12/08
Oh, I have so many favorites! Nigella's dense chocolate loaf cake is one of the most delicious chocolate cakes you will ever, ever eat:
http://www.murrayhill5.net/blog/inmykitchenblog/archives/000523.html
Any good recipe for dark, satiny chocolate pudding.
And finally, my own cocoa brownies, adapted from my mother's recipe:
http://fingerineverypie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/04/brownies_revisi.html
Julie at 12:39PM on 02/12/08
love to win this
pincus at 12:40PM on 02/12/08
foolproof chocolate fondue -
1 pound of premium semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, well chopped
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream -try not to use ultrapasturized
Set aside the chopped chocolate. Pour the cream into a medium, thick-bottomed saucepan (or double boiler if you have one) over low heat. Bring the cream to a simmer and add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted.
Transfer the chocolate to a fondue pot
gala2 at 12:44PM on 02/12/08
All of them, duh!
HMcChezz at 12:50PM on 02/12/08
Toll House cookies.
tech9803 at 1:05PM on 02/12/08
I've never cooked with chocolate—all the more reason to want a chocolate-themed cook book. I very much enjoy brownies, though.
iyamapotato at 1:12PM on 02/12/08
Mole (with plenty of chile peppers).
Chocolate Fudge Pudding.
Fudge Brownies.
And, the easiest thing in the world: Chocolate Nut Clusters
LoCo at 1:20PM on 02/12/08
chocolate fondue
Stephen1969 at 1:24PM on 02/12/08
I am a total chocaholic!! When I want something simple and decadent I make these:
Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe (courtesy Tyler Florence - Food Network)
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces good-quality (70 percent) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
In a saucepan, bring the cream just to a simmer over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Then beat the chocolate at medium speed until it gets thick and light colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish and smooth the top. Refrigerate about 2 hours, until firm.
Pour the cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl. Use a melon baller or small ice cream scoop to scoop out balls of chocolate; place them on the plate with the cocoa powder and roll between 2 forks to completely coat with the cocoa powder. Then use the forks to carefully transfer them to a parchment or waxed paper lined baking sheet.
barblong at 1:30PM on 02/12/08
My favorite chocolate recipe is homemade fudge :) It's easy ~ versatile ~ and delicious! *Thanks* for the giveaway!
MoonMaiden at 1:31PM on 02/12/08
chewy brownies
schnitzel at 1:33PM on 02/12/08
Chocolate chunk brownies
charmon at 1:37PM on 02/12/08
Gourmet magazine's Double Chocolate Mocha Brownies
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/107431
raspberryberet at 1:38PM on 02/12/08
Fudge, fudge and more fudge. I make it every year and package it in pretty boxes to give out as Christmas gifts.
kathleenyohanna at 1:46PM on 02/12/08
Irish Whiskey Chocolate Souffle Tarts at www.epicurious.com. Every time I serve these, I get awesome compliments and they are easy to boot!
mrstrooper at 1:47PM on 02/12/08
bittersweet chocolate cookies with dried cherries
khlib at 1:57PM on 02/12/08
My mom's family's chocolate sauce: a measure of cocoa (I generally go for a cup), twice that measure of sugar, mix the two, mix in a measure of water that is halfway between your cocoa and sugar measurements, pinch of salt, boil. The longer you boil, the more like thick fudge sauce it will be once it is cooled. Keeps in the fridge for several weeks...if it there's any of it left to be put away once I'm finished with it warm from the pan.
Kimberly at 2:08PM on 02/12/08
David Lebovitz's Chocolate Espresso Mousse Cake.
It's like eating a chocolate cloud.
AP1836 at 2:19PM on 02/12/08
chocolate bread pudding
zekks at 2:31PM on 02/12/08
Best Brownies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts(optional)
CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING(recipe follows)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in bowl. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Prepare CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING; spread over brownies. Cut into squares. About 16 brownies.
CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons Cocoa
1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Beat butter, cocoa, corn syrup and vanilla in small bowl until blended. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency. About 1 cup frosting.
bndraldy at 2:34PM on 02/12/08
Brownies
sillelin at 2:36PM on 02/12/08
brownies...always the brownies, no crust please!
jittybug at 2:41PM on 02/12/08
chocolate fudge - the cooked kind... no nuts
debralu at 2:54PM on 02/12/08
That I make: chocolate chip shortbread cookies, made with dark and milk chips.
wellred at 3:21PM on 02/12/08
Mayan-mocha brownies: Regular chocolate brownies with espresso and assorted chili powders, so good.
beegoode at 3:22PM on 02/12/08
chocolate bread. Rich and savory
Fiksu at 3:23PM on 02/12/08
I made an all chocolate boston creme pie and was told by a female friend that it was too chocolatey. I felt victorious.
jbramley at 3:27PM on 02/12/08
Every time I've made this flourless chocolate cake, I've gotten rave reviews (if I decided to share!).
amwhiteh at 3:32PM on 02/12/08
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/14478
amwhiteh at 3:32PM on 02/12/08
Chocolate orgasms from one of the Rosie's all butter cookbooks
aharste at 3:39PM on 02/12/08
Thomas Keller's bouchon!
fseriouseats at 3:42PM on 02/12/08
Another vote for Ina's Outrageous Chocolate Brownies.
cher48603 at 3:50PM on 02/12/08
My favorite chocolate recipe is for the chocolate chip cookies. The recipe is on the back of the bag..........it's not fancy but soooooo good!
laur_uic at 3:56PM on 02/12/08
Simple homemade truffles are the best. You can make them big or small and roll them in other toppings to get different flavors.
rockchick at 4:12PM on 02/12/08
Chocolate oatmeal wads.
Freddie at 4:20PM on 02/12/08
Here is my favorite chocolate recipe. It's super easy and wonderful with ice cream!
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Makes: 8 -10 servings Preheat: 350º
Ingredients
1¼ cups sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
7 tbsp Hershey's Cocoa, divided
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk
⅓ cup butter or margarine, melted
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1¼ cups hot water
Heat oven to 350º. In medium mixing bowl combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, 3 tbsp cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Blend in milk, melted butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Pour batter into square pan, 8x8x2 or 9x9x2 inches. In small bowl combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, and remaining 4 tbsp cocoa; sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir. Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Let stand 15 minutes; spoon into dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top.
Beckyk563 at 4:34PM on 02/12/08
don't have a favorite chocolate recipe
lilyk at 4:40PM on 02/12/08
The maintstay, chocolate chip cookies!
LIDARKSIDE at 5:14PM on 02/12/08
Chocolate Chip Cookies
cj741 at 5:21PM on 02/12/08
Of course, chocolate truffles from Alice Medrich
hungrykat at 5:23PM on 02/12/08
i want to win
maweisberg at 5:27PM on 02/12/08
my grandma's fudge..........
starsmom at 5:30PM on 02/12/08
It's hard to choose a favorite when it comes to chocolate because just eating it from the package is heavenly. But having to choose I probably would choose chocolate-praline truffles.
tandek at 5:55PM on 02/12/08
It's hard to choose a favorite when it comes to chocolate because just eating it from the package is heavenly. But having to choose I probably would choose chocolate-praline truffles.
tandek at 5:57PM on 02/12/08