BITTERSWEET DESSERTS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large chilled stainless steel or glass bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the heavy cream with the chocolate sauce at medium speed until firm peaks form. Spread about 1/2 cup of the whipped chocolate cream on a long rectangular platter, to form a 3-by-10-inch rectangle.&
• Using a small offset spatula, spread 1 tablespoon of the remaining chocolate cream on 35 chocolate wafers and arrange them in 5 stacks. Top each stack with a chocolate wafer (you will have 6 or 7 wafers left over). Arrange the wafer stacks on their sides as close together as possible on the chocolate cream on the platter. (The wafer stacks will lie lengthwise on the platter.) Spread all but about 1/2 cup of the remaining chocolate cream all over the cake, fixing any wafers that tilt or slide.
• Press a long sheet of plastic wrap over the cake, flattening the top and sides gently. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or for up to 2 days. Refrigerate the remaining chocolate cream.
• Discard the plastic wrap and frost the cake with the remaining chocolate cream, smoothing the top and sides. Garnish with the chocolate shavings. Cut into slices, wiping the knife after each cut.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 10-inch Bundt pan. Set aside.
• Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in bowl. Set aside.
• Bring water and coffee granules to boil in small saucepan; remove from heat. Add 6 ounces baking chocolate; stir until smooth.
• Combine sugar, butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs; beat at high speed 5 minutes. Gradually add flour mixture alternately with chocolate mixture, beating at low speed, until well mixed. Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes.
• Melt 2 ounces baking chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar alternately with water until desired glazing consistency. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle cooled cake with glaze; sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.