Chocolate Butter Food

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

Steps:

• Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil, pressing it into the corners and up the sides; leave an overhang on 2 sides. Brush the foil with butter.
• Combine 3/4 cup condensed milk, the chocolate chips and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Combine the remaining condensed milk, the peanut butter chips and a pinch of salt in a separate saucepan. Put both pans over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chips are melted and smooth.
• Spoon the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, leaving spaces between the spoonfuls. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the gaps. Brush an 8-inch square of parchment paper with butter and lay it directly on top of the fudge; press to flatten evenly and fill any gaps. Refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes. Lift the foil to remove the fudge from the pan and cut into 1-inch squares. Store up to 1 week in an airtight container.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM ICING

Steps:

• Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (make sure the bowl isn't touching the water). Stir until melted. Alternatively, melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 secs. Leave the melted chocolate to cool for 5 mins.
• Mash the butter and icing sugar together with a fork first, then switch to a wooden spoon or electric beaters if you have them. Sift in the cocoa and pour in the melted chocolate, a pinch of salt and the milk, then mix again until smooth. Use to top cupcakes or cover and fill a chocolate sponge cake.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spread peanuts in a shallow baking dish. Bake, stirring once or twice, until fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add melted chocolate, maple syrup, oil, vanilla and salt. Process, stopping to scrape down the sides (and give your food processor a little rest) as needed, until smooth and creamy, at least 8 minutes and up to 10 minutes.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Steps:

• Melt your butter and unsweetened chocolate in short increments in the microwave, or using a double boiler.
• In a large bowl add the powdered sugar, vanilla and the melted chocolate mixture.
• Whip together with a stand mixer or hand mixer until all combined.
• Add in half of the milk and continue mixing, adding more milk if needed to reach fluffy frosting consistency.

CHOCOLATE BUTTER COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Combine sugar, butter, egg, and extract.
• Beat at medium speed until fluffy.
• Gradually add flour and cocoa until well mixed.
• Shape into rounded teaspoonfuls 1" balls, cookie press, or indent in the middle.
• Bake for 7-9 minutes.
• Cool, then decorate with melted chocolate, cherry in center, or powdered sugar.

CHOCOLATE BUTTER

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
• Sift cocoa and icing sugar together, add to butter and mix well.
• Add vanilla and continue beating for 1 - 2 minutes until mixture is smooth.
• Put blended mixture into small dish and serve. If not using butter immediately, cover and refrigerate.
• Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE BUTTER ICING

Steps:

• Beat the butter, cream and the vanilla extract until very soft.
• Then gradually sift in the icing sugar and the cocoa powder, beating all the time, until it is all added.
• Continue to beat until very soft, then whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat three 6-inch-round cake pans with cooking spray.
• Sift the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Add the buttermilk, coffee, vegetable oil and eggs. Mix at medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape the side and bottom of the bowl and mix on medium speed for 1 minute more. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake on the top rack until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
• Cool the cakes in the pans for 20 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• For the buttercream: Add the confectioners' sugar and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until completely incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter, milk and salt. Mix on high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and lighter in color, about 2 minutes. Scrape the side and bottom of the bowl and mix again on high speed for 1 minute.
• To assemble the cake: Level each cake round with a serrated knife or cake leveler. Use an offset spatula to spread a thin layer of the buttercream on top of one round. Top with a second round and spread it with a thin layer of buttercream. Repeat with the third round, spreading the buttercream on the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a bench scraper.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING (WITHOUT BUTTER)

Steps:

• Add the shortening to the mixer and mix for a couple of minutes, then gradually add the powdered sugar, Dream whip, cocoa and blend together until smooth.
• Add the vanilla, then add the milk until you get the right consistency. *I find that 1/3 cup is just right, but you may need a little more or less.