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Sacher Torte

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While in Vienna, I had the opportunity to taste the original Sacher Torte at the Hotel Sacher Vienna, which is considered one of the most recognized cakes in the world. It's a soft and light chocolate cake with a touch of apricot jam and coated with chocolate icing, usually served with whipped cream. Although the original recipe is said to be a secret, a German friend gave me this recipe (a Viking River Cruise recipe) , which is nearly as delicious. Quality chocolate is a must. Enjoy! Cake Ingredients : 10 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar 6 large eggs, whites and yokes separated 5 ounces fine artisan dark chocolate (around 70% cacao), cut into several large chunks for easier melting 2/3 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons good quality apricot jam Whipped cream, for garnish, if desired Glaze Ingredients : 8 ounces fine artisan dark chocolate (around 70% cacao), cut into several large chunks 2 tablespoons butter Directions : Preheat oven to 375 d...

Pizza Toast

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Mama called it Cheese Toast, but my son calls it Pizza Toast. It is such a simple, easy and tasty treat. Whether it'd for an after school snack or add meat for a meal, it's sure to please kids of any age! I used my own homemade Pizza Sauce, but you can use your favorite brand. I also used a Colby Jack Cheese blend, but again use your favorite. The possibilities are endless! 1 French Bread Loaf, cut in thick slices Pizza Sauce  (or spaghetti sauce) 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese blend (optional) pepperoni, onion, peppers, olives Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread slices of bread with a tablespoon or so of sauce. Top with the toppings of your choice, or simply top with cheese. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. If serving to children, be sure to let them sit until the cheese has cooled enough to be safe. 

S'more Cookie Cups

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These are the cookie cups I made for Sarah's birthday. This recipe will make 24 cups. S'more Cookie Cups For the cookie cups: Ingredients 1 cup butter, room temperature 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup sugar 1 tsp baking powder 2 large egg 2 tsp vanilla  2 2/3 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt (optional)  1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (approximately 10 full graham crackers) Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 24-well muffin tin. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add baking powder and salt and combine. Add eggs one at a time, combining completely between each addition. Add vanilla and combine. Add flour and graham cracker crumbs and stir until just combined. Scoop 3 tablespoons each into muffin tin. Bake for 13 minutes. Remove from oven and wait about 1 minute then use a jar or container (I used a spice jar) to indent each cup. Cool completely in tin. For the ganache: Ingredients 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips 2/3 cup cream In a liquid 2 cup measuring cup, pour in chocola...

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

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This dessert is a chocoholic's dream of rich, intense and delicious flavours. Make it ahead to serve as the star of your next dinner party. Featured in Chocolate cake recipes, Easter INGREDIENTS 60g Plaistowe Premium Dark Chocolate, finely chopped 50g unsalted butter, chopped 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar 60ml (1/4 cup) hot water 50g (1/3 cup) plain flour 40g (1/4 cup) self-raising flour 1 tablespoon NESTL� BAKERS' CHOICE Cocoa 1 egg CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 400g Plaistowe Premium Dark Chocolate, finely chopped 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped 750ml (3 cups) thickened cream CHOCOLATE GLAZE 200g Plaistowe Premium Dark Chocolate, finely chopped 185ml (3/4 cup) thickened cream 2 tablespoons liquid glucose METHOD Step 1 Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan forced. Release base of a 22cm (base measurement) springform pan. Invert. Line with baking paper. Secure in pan, allowing edge to overhang. Grease side with melted butter. Step 2 Melt chocolate, butter, sugar and water in a heatpro...

Hot Chocolate Brownies

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INGREDIENTS FOR THE BROWNIES: 3 eggs � cup of tea oil 1 cup of boiling water 2 cups of wheat flour 1 and 1/2 cup of sugar tea 1 cup of powdered chocolate 1 tablespoon baking powder TO COVER: 1 tablespoon full of margarine 3 tablespoons milk 1 cup of powdered chocolate � cup of sugar tea METHOD OF PREPARATION: Put all the ingredients of the dough in the blender and beat until a homogeneous dough is obtained without balls. Pour the dough into a greased and floured baking dish and bring to the oven preheated to 180�C between 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to melt. METHOD OF PREPARATION: Mix all the ingredients of the topping in a pan and bring to the fire stirring until it boils. Pour over cake and let cool to cut.

The Italian Village Chicken Vesuvio Recipe

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Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels Episode: Italian Style Total:55 minPrep: 15 minCook: 40 min Yield: 4 servings Level: Intermediate Ingredients 1 fryer chicken, about 2 to 3 pounds, cut into 8 pieces (2 wings, 2 breasts, 2 legs, 2 thighs) 2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 cup olive oil 2 cups canola oil, for frying 3 large Idaho or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick wedges 2 clove garlic, peeled and mashed 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1/2 cup white wine 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves Directions Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Clean chicken, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1/3-cup olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, carefully place chicken in pan using tongs. Breasts and thighs first, then the rest. Brown well on all sides, remove chicken from pan. Pour off all but a few tablespoons of oil. Return chicken to skillet and place uncovered in preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning chicken once...

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Recipe

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Show: Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels Episode: Bustling Boston Total:50 minPrep: 20 minCook: 30 min Yield: 4 servings Level: Intermediate Ingredients For the Caribbean Jerk Chicken:  1 tablespoon Caribbean Jerk seasoning 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon white pepper 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon chives 8 boneless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each Red wine (enough to dip chicken into) 4 servings basmati rice, cooked according to package directions For the butter sauce: 1 tablespoon shallots 1/2 cup white wine 1 cup heavy cream 2 sticks butter 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper Hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco) For the fried bananas: 4 ripe bananas cut in 1/2, lengthwise, then in thirds (24 pieces total) All-purpose flour Directions For the Caribbean Jerk Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oven to 500 degrees F. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. Rinse chicken w...