Scrumptious chocolate cakes can be made with hot chocolate or cocoa
powder. The most delicious rich chocolate cakes often call for melted
cooking chocolate.
It is important to melt cooking
chocolate carefully. Break the chocolate into small pieces, place in a
bowl over a saucepan of simmering water - the water should not touch the
base of the bowl or boil as this can cause the chocolate to 'seize' or
turn into unusable lumps!
Chocolate takes only a few minutes to
melt. Once ready, stir briskly, remove from heat then use as directed in
recipe. Chocolate can also be melted in the microwave on medium (70%)
for 2-3 minutes.
While the chocolate is still warm and
fluid, add flavorings such as coffee and essences. You can also enrich
the chocolate at this stage with butter, cream or sour cream. It is at
this stage that you can make molded decorations such as chocolate
leaves. The chocolate needs to be cooled and hardened to make scrolls
and cut out shapes.
