The nuclear orange glow was created with food coloring for the season's orange & black color scheme; the next time I make this (and oh there will be many next times) I'll leave the food coloring alone. The orange flavoring comes from orange zest and juice and is sooo nice with the chocolate.
One warning, double the recipe to make a layer cake; I really expected this to make more than it did. (When do I leave "beginner stage"? :) )
Orange Cake (recipe from here with minor alterations by me)
1 1/2 c. flour plus 1 tbsp.
3/4 c. sugar
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, plus 1 tbsp.
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
Zest from 2 oranges
Juice from 1 orange
3 eggs
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan; set aside.
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into butter and sugar mixture along with orange zest and juice.
Baking time: about 30 minutes; check frequently after that.
Ganache: (from here
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.
Ganache is my new BFF.
9 comments:
You mailed me a slice of this right?
You know it! Check your mail.
Oh, that sounds great – and I'm not a huge fan of cake. But orange and chocolate are great.
And I love the blanket (or sheet or whatever it is. Looks like a blanket). If I saw that in a shop, I'd buy it.
Thanks! I always get it out in the autumn, it's one of my favorites.
Awww, I wish you coulda brought this to the mid century potluck. (Actually, I'd take just you coming than a whole fancy ganache any day!) And I love the photo -- it really looks vintage!
And this is beyond beginner! I can barely use mix!!!
Definitely going to have to conjure up some of this stuff. Thank you for the recipe and thank you for all of the treats you've offered up during THE SEASON.
Season's Creepings!
Mark Harvey
Karen - You're so sweet. I would love to come to the mid century potlucks. And as for your baking abilities ... well, I've seen some of what you're able to do in the kitchen and I couldn't do that. ('50s food looks HARD!)
Mark - Thank you! I can't wait til things die down a little around here to really get to enjoy more of your own Halloween posts. Seasons' Creepings to you too!
That looks so good! When I saw the picture at first I was afraid it was pumpkin and chocolate and I'm not too sure about that combo though I know people like it. But orange and chocolate... yum!
I love the blanket and your plates too, cute shot :).
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