Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake Recipe

If you love chocolate-covered cherries, this festive layer cake is just for you. With tart cherry juice in the batter and freeze-dried cherries in the whipped cream frosting, it's a bright and fruity twist on an otherwise classic chocolate cake. The flavor of the cake itself depends on rich, full-flavored cocoa powder, whether natural or Dutch-process. I recommend either Valrhona or Cacao Barry Extra Brute, both of which have twice the cocoa butter of the most popular supermarket brand.
WHY IT WORKS
Tart cherry juice brings out chocolate's fruitier qualities, while its acidity reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise.
Aromatic ingredients, like cinnamon, vanilla, and almond, amplify the cherry flavor.
Neutral oils like safflower simplify the cake's flavor, putting the focus on chocolate.
Fruity whipped cream makes a simple but festive frosting.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Stand mixer, two 8-inch by 2- or 3-inch anodized aluminum cake pans, food processor, serrated knife, cast iron turntable (optional), offset spatula
NOTES:
This recipe works well with many different combinations of tart juice and freeze-dried fruit, so don't be afraid to branch out if you can't find (or don't like) cherry. Tart fruits, like black currant, blueberry, and cranberry, pair well with chocolate, so look for them in juiced and freeze-dried form.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cakes:
6 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups; 170g)
4 ounces good-quality cocoa powder, natural or Dutch-process (about 1 1/3 cups; 115g)
8 ounces sugar (about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons; 225g)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight
2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
4 large eggs, straight from the fridge
9 ounces neutral oil, such as safflower or sunflower (1 1/3 cups; 255g)
10 ounces pure, unsweetened tart cherry juice (1 1/4 cups; 285g) (see note)
For the Cherry Whipped Cream:
2 ounces freeze-dried cherries (about 1 cup; 55g), plus more for garnishing (see note)
3 1/2 ounces sugar (about 1/2 cup; 100g)
24 ounces heavy cream (3 cups; 680g)
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Cakes: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, line two 8-inch anodized aluminum cake pans with parchment and grease lightly. Sift flour and cocoa together to combine. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs. Whip on medium-high until foamy and light, about 5 minutes, then drizzle in oil. Reduce speed to low and add tart cherry juice, followed by sifted flour/cocoa mixture. When mixture is well combined, divide between prepared cake pans, adding about 22 ounces (620g) to each. Bake until puffed and firm, about 25 minutes; a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake will leave a few crumbs attached. Cool cakes in their pans until no trace of warmth remains, about 45 minutes.

2.
For the Cherry Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a food processor, grind freeze-dried fruit and sugar until powdery and fine, about 90 seconds. Add cream and stir with a fork to ensure no dry pockets of sugar/fruit are stuck in the corners, then process until thick and creamy like Greek yogurt, about 5 minutes. The time will vary with the horsepower of your machine, so watch it like a hawk to avoid making fruity butter by mistake. Cover with plastic and refrigerate until needed.

3.
To Assemble the Cake: Using a serrated bread knife, trim the dome from each cake so that the layers stack neatly and can absorb moisture from the cream. Place 1 cake (cut side up) on a serving plate, cake stand, or cast iron turntable. Top with 1 cup cherry whipped cream and spread into an even layer with an offset spatula. Place second cake (cut side down) on top. Smooth cream around sides, then wipe spatula clean. Spread another cup of cherry whipped cream in an even layer on top of cake, then use remaining whipped cream to generously cover sides and decorate by swirling cream with the back of a spoon. If you like, sprinkle with freeze-dried cherries just before serving.

4.
Under a cake dome or loosely wrapped in plastic, the cake will keep up to 24 hours at room temperature. Alternatively, the cake can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated up to 3 days, then brought to room temperature to serve.

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Homemade Bagel Bites Recipe

If you can't understand the allure of made-from-scratch Bagel Bites, there's nothing I can say or do to convince you. This is a recipe for the hardcore fans, those of us who've longed for bite-size pizza poppers that taste as good as we remember—chewy, cheesy, salty, and crisp.
WHY IT WORKS
Baking mini bagels on a wire rack prevents their bottoms from browning, keeping them tender and easy to eat.
Lightly toasting the split bagels will prevent them from absorbing the red sauce, which would make them soggy.
Diced pepperoni offers better distribution on the mini pizzas, while also matching the look of real Bagel Bites.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
10-inch skillet, food processor, 3- or 4-quart stainless steel pot, wire rack
NOTES:
Thanks to the keeping qualities of my bagel dough, this recipe is great spread out over the course of a few days. So make the dough and sauce whenever you have a chance, bake off the bagels when it's convenient, then assemble at your leisure.
INGREDIENTS
Homemade Bagel dough
1 ounce barley malt syrup (4 teaspoons; 30g), optional
Quick and Easy Italian-American Red Sauce
Salt, pepper, and fennel seed to taste
12 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups; 340g)
6 ounces pepperoni, such as Vermont Smoke & Cure (1 link; 170g)
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Mini Bagels: Prepare dough as directed, then divide into 16 equal portions, about 1 1/2 ounces or 43g each. Cup a portion of dough beneath your palm and work in quick, circular motions to form a tight skin around the ball, with only a tiny seam along the bottom. If the seam is large or irregular, continue rounding until the bottom is nearly smooth. Cover with plastic and let rest 15 minutes. Poke a hole into the center of each portion with a damp fingertip, then gently stretch into a 1 1/2–inch ring, wetting your hands in cold water as needed to prevent sticking. Arrange on a well-greased, parchment-lined half sheet pan, cover with plastic, and refrigerate 24 to 36 hours, depending on your schedule.

2.
To Boil and Bake: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 425°F (218°C). Nest a wire baking rack in a half sheet pan, then cover with parchment. Fill a stainless steel pot with about 3 inches of water, stir in malt (if using), and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet or cutting board with a thick layer of paper towels. Working with three or four at a time, boil the bagels, about 15 seconds per side. Place on paper towels, then immediately transfer to the prepared half sheet pan. (If left on the paper towels too long, the bagels will stick; if this happens, quickly dip the bagel back into the hot water, and the wet paper towel will peel right off.) Bake until blistered and golden brown all over, about 18 minutes. Cool at least 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step, or store mini bagels up to 36 hours in a paper bag.

3.
To Finish: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Split mini bagels horizontally with a serrated knife, arrange half on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and toast only until their surface is a little dry, about 5 minutes. Top each with a few tablespoons of red sauce, followed by a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and fennel seed, followed by a generous mound of cheese and a small handful of diced pepperoni. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 16 minutes, and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining bagel halves for round two.

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Baked Brie en Croûte With Apple and Pear Compote Recipe

Offering maximum impact with minimal effort, a baked Brie turns a mild-mannered cheese into the superhero of a gathering: a warm, gooey communal comfort food. This version wraps the cheese in a shell of flaky puff pastry, along with two sweet-tart layers of apple-pear compote.

WHY IT WORKS
Pairing the creamy cheese with a combination of tart and sweet gives it the ideal flavor balance.
Adding a puff pastry crust is an easy way to create an impressive party appetizer.
Triple-cream cheese gives you the best gooey melt.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, pastry brush, kitchen twine (optional)
NOTES:
If possible, use a triple-cream Brie, which has a higher fat content that melts better.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 pear, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup (60g) sugar
1 small cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 (6- to 8-ounce; 170 to 225g) round Brie or Camembert cheese, slightly chilled (see note)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
10-inch square puff pastry dough, kept cold, rolled out to 1/4-inch thickness
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
DIRECTIONS
1.
Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter, and swirl until melted. Add apple and pear and cook, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender and has released most of its liquid, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in sugar, cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes longer. Discard cinnamon stick, if used. Remove from heat and let compote cool to room temperature.

2.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3.
Using a sharp knife, cut cheese in half horizontally (through the middle). Lay one half on a work surface, cut side up, and spread 3 tablespoons (45ml) of compote evenly over it. Place second half on top and spread another 3 tablespoons (45ml) compote over it.

4.
Place puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface and roll to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Set prepared cheese in center of square, fold dough up and over, and pleat it together on top to enclose cheese. Gently pinch dough together in center to seal gathered pleats. You can tie a bit of kitchen twine on top to hold pleats together if you like, but this is not essential. If dough is no longer cold, chill wrapped cheese for at least 20 minutes. (Cheese can be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated until ready to bake.)

5.
Set prepared cheese wheel on prepared baking sheet. Brush dough evenly with egg wash. Bake until pastry is crisp and golden brown all over, 25 to 35 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter. Serve any remaining compote alongside.

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The Best Challah Recipe

While you may not have trouble finding good challah at your local bakery, there are some compelling reasons to bake the iconic loaf yourself. For starters, it can be made easily in any home kitchen, with any experience level, in just a few hours, with delicious results. And, with patience and practice, there's no question that you can make a challah that's better than anything you'll buy in a store.

This recipe makes two hearty loaves made with four-strand braids. You may be tempted to halve the recipe, but a double batch will make the time and effort more rewarding and worthwhile—plus, that extra loaf will get even better for French toast, stuffing, or bread pudding as it stales.

WHY IT WORKS

This recipe calls for more egg yolks than a normal bakery’s cost margins could allow, making for a richer, more tender challah.

Because it uses only conventional yeast, it can be made from start to finish in one day.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Stand mixer, baking sheet, pastry brush, bench knife, dough spatula
NOTES:

For an easier rendition, you can make a three-strand braid instead.

INGREDIENTS
35 ounces (1000 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 3/4 ounces (50 grams) sugar
1 ounce (30 grams) kosher salt
3/8 ounce (10 grams) active dry yeast
9.5 ounces (270 grams) whole eggs, from approximately 5-6 large eggs
8 ounces (230 grams) egg yolks, from approximately 15 large eggs
5 ounces (150 grams) cold water
3.5 ounces (100 grams) honey
3 ounces (90 grams) light olive or vegetable oil

1 whole egg, for egg wash

DIRECTIONS
1.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add eggs, yolks, water, honey, and oil, stirring with a flexible spatula to form a shaggy dough. Fit the mixer with a dough hook and knead on low (speed 2 on a KitchenAid stand mixer), mixing until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, about 10 minutes.

2.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and scrape the bowl clean. Knead the dough by hand until elastic and smooth, no more than 3 minutes, and then round into a ball. Lightly oil the empty mixing bowl, place ball of dough inside, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

3.
Meanwhile, set oven to 200°F (93°C) and set bowl near the air vent, aiming for a 75°F/25°C environment. Allow to rise by half, about one hour. (At 70°F/21°C, expect this to take roughly 90 minutes).

4.
When dough is risen by half, flip the dough over inside the bowl and fold the top portion firmly into the middle. Next, fold the bottom portion of the dough into the center of the mass. Rotate the dough 90 degrees, and perform the same motions—top to middle, bottom to middle—pressing firmly each time with the palm of your hand and pushing it against the sides of the bowl to expel excess air. Cover again with plastic wrap and let rise another hour, and up to 90 minutes.

5.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and cut into 8 pieces, about 230g each. Press each portion into a roughly 4-inch square and fold the top edge to the middle, pinching the dough along the seam to seal, then repeat with the bottom edge to form a cylinder. Set on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with plastic, and repeat with the remaining dough. Let dough sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.

6.
On a clean work surface, gently roll each portion of dough back and forth, using the palms of your hands to elongate each piece into a 14-inch strand, applying very little pressure in the middle, but enough at the ends to taper its shape. Once elongated, set aside, cover with plastic wrap, and repeat for the remaining strands.

7.
Remove 4 strands and arrange them like spokes extending from the center of a wheel. Pinch together the strands to join at one end and anchor with a heavy jar or can.

8.
Mentally number the four strands, from left to right, as strand 1 through strand 4. Move strand 1 from the far left to the middle. Move strand 3 from its starting position to the far left. Move strand 4 from the far right to the middle. Move strand 2 from its starting position to the far right. Move strand 3 from the far left position to the middle. Move strand 1 from its current position to the far left. Move strand 2 from the far right to the middle. Move strand 4 from its current position to the far right. Repeat pattern, loosening tension at the middle of the braid, and increasing tension at the end for a symmetrical appearance.

9.
Place loaf on one end of a parchment lined baking sheet, laying it on the diagonal so the other loaf can fit as well. Cover with plastic and braid the remaining dough as before.

10.
Prepare egg wash by whisking remaining egg and water together in a small bowl, then brush lightly over the loaves, working to cover the surface of the dough but avoiding the nooks and crannies of the “joints” so as not to seal the strands together. Prepare a warm place for the dough to proof, and let it rise until roughly doubled in size, about 2 hours in a 75°F (25°C) environment, or up to 6 hours at cool room temperature (this can also be done overnight in the fridge if covered in plastic). During this time, you can egg wash the dough two additional times to build up a rich layer.

11.

Toward the end of the second rise, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaves in the oven and immediately reduce temperature to 325°F (160°C). Bake until a digital thermometer inserted into the center of each loaf reads 200°F (93°C), about 40 minutes, rotating loaves after the first 25 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack and cool for one hour before slicing or serving.

source : seriouseats

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Homemade Milk Duds Recipe

Neat freaks, watch out: This recipe's a little messy. That's because homemade Milk Duds are best dipped by hand, which lets you coat all the pieces in a thin chocolate shell without spending an eternity fishing each one out with a fork. But really, there are worse fates than being covered in your favorite dark chocolate. Such as living without a batch of chewy, chocolaty, bittersweet caramels.

WHY IT WORKS

Cooking over medium heat ensures that the sugar completely dissolves before the water boils off.

Minimal caramelization matches the flavor of real Milk Duds.

A generous dose of cream makes the caramels soft but chewy.

Coating the caramels by hand is super fast and keeps the shell thin.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
8-inch anodized aluminum cake pan (round or square), 2-quart stainless steel saucier, heat-resistant spatula, digital thermometer with clip-on attachment
NOTES:

For the most authentic flavor, choose a dark chocolate with 65 to 72% cocoa solids. Brands like Callebaut or Valrhona are easiest to temper, but any high-quality chocolate made with real cocoa butter will do.
DIRECTIONS
1.
For the Caramel: Nestle a large sheet of parchment paper into an 8-inch cake pan to roughly cover the bottom and sides. In a 2-quart stainless steel saucier, combine water, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir with a fork until sugar is fully dissolved and syrup comes to a rolling boil, about 4 minutes. Simmer, without stirring, until syrup is honey-gold, roughly 7 minutes. Immediately add cream and reduce heat to medium-low, adjusting the heat lower if needed to keep caramel from foaming too high. (This is more likely on an electric stove due to residual heat.) Stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, simmer until caramel registers 260°F (127°C) on a digital thermometer, about 7 minutes. Immediately pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil, and cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.

2.
Peel caramel from parchment, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 50 pieces (approximately 1/4 ounce or 7g each) with a sharp knife; don't worry about being too precise with their shape or size. If you like, use your fingers to mold the pieces into a more oval, Milk Dud–like shape.

3.

For the Chocolate Coating: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Temper chocolate according to one of the methods described here. Fold all caramel pieces into tempered chocolate. With a clean hand, scoop up pieces like handfuls of marbles, then slide each one over your index finger with your thumb into your other hand (think of how you'd dole out a handful of M&M's) and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature until fully set, about 15 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container.

INGREDIENTS
For the Caramel:
4 ounces water (1/2 cup; 115g)
8 1/2 ounces sugar (1 1/4 cups; 240g)
3/4 teaspoon (3g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight
6 ounces heavy cream (3/4 cup; 170g)
For the Chocolate Coating:

8 ounces finely chopped dark or milk chocolate (1 1/3 cups; 225g), such as Callebaut or Valrhona; do not use chips

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