Chocolate Dipped Halloween Apple Rings Food

DECADENT CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Spray a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with cooking spray.
• Bake the cake in the prepared pan according to the package instructions. Allow to cool slightly, then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
• Melt the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, or in a double boiler on the stove, until smooth. Add the condensed milk and milk, then stir to combine. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring you hit every last inch. Allow the mixture to soak into the holes while you make the frosting.
• For the frosting: Combine the milk, pudding mix and cocoa powder in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until it thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined well.
• Spread the frosting over the cake, then decorate with the cherries, if using. Enjoy.

THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Whip 1 cup of the heavy cream to soft peaks in a medium bowl (see Cook's Note). Set aside.
• Add the egg, egg yolks, sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, salt and 1 tablespoon water to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk to combine. Set the bowl over a medium saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Whisk constantly until the mixture is pale, hot to the touch and has almost doubled in volume, about 4 to 6 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula, if necessary. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until cooled, about 2 minutes.
• Put the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and set over the saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow the bowl to touch the water). Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and gently stir for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
• Whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate in 3 additions until combined. (The mixture may get very thick.) Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in 3 additions until it is fully incorporated. It is important that the chocolate mixture is not warm to ensure that it combines smoothly with the whipped cream without seizing up.
• Divide the chocolate mousse among four 4-ounce ramekins and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
• Whip the remaining 3/4 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Top each chocolate mousse with whipped cream and serve. (For a softer texture, allow the ramekins to sit at room temperature while you whip the cream.)

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Line 3 baking sheets with parchment.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat on medium speed until just combined. Add the flour, baking soda and kosher salt and mix on low speed until just combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the chocolate chunks using a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Use a 1/4-cup scoop to scoop the cookies, making sure to scrape the scoop against the side of the bowl to flatten off the top. Scoop onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give them space to spread while baking. Sprinkle a pinch or two of sea salt on top of each cookie dough mound. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bake until golden brown, 17 to 18 minutes. Let the cookies cool and crisp up on the baking sheets.

CHOCOLATE PIE

Steps:

• For the crust: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and sugar until crumbs form. Pour in the butter and continue to pulse until the crumbs are coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Set aside.
• For the filling: In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not simmering. To a medium saucepan, add the sugar, flour and cocoa and whisk together well. Lightly beat the egg yolks (saving the whites for the meringue) and pour into the flour mixture. Slowly add the hot milk, stirring. This will create a paste in the beginning, ensuring that the chocolate and flour blend smoothly. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick, about 5 minutes. The mixture will start to bubble sporadically; continue to stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla and salt. Stir until the butter is completely incorporated.
• Pour the filling into the crust and chill in the refrigerator, about 45 minutes.
• For the meringue: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the salt until stiff. With the mixer running, gradually add the sugar and beat until the whites are smooth and glossy. Spread the meringue on the pie, reaching the edges of the crust to seal in the filling. Bake until brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

MOCHA CHOCOLATE ICEBOX CAKE

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, coffee liqueur, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla. Mix on low speed to combine and then slowly raise the speed, until it forms firm peaks.
• To assemble the cake, arrange chocolate chip cookies flat in an 8-inch springform pan, covering the bottom as much as possible. (I break some cookies to fill in the spaces.) Spread a fifth of the mocha whipped cream evenly over the cookies. Place another layer of cookies on top, lying flat and touching, followed by another fifth of the cream. Continue layering cookies and cream until there are 5 layers of each, ending with a layer of cream. Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
• Run a small sharp knife around the outside of the cake and remove the sides of the pan. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate, cut in wedges, and serve cold.

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Position 2 racks in the center of the oven, and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Whisk together the flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
• Beat the butter and both sugars on medium-high speed in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl if using a handheld mixer) until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at time, beating after each addition to incorporate. Beat in the vanilla. Scrape down the side of the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to medium, add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto each prepared baking sheet. Roll the dough into balls with slightly wet hands. Bake, rotating the cookie sheets from upper to lower racks halfway through, until golden but still soft in the center, 12 to 15 minutes (the longer the cook time, the crunchier the cookies). Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
• Let the baking sheets cool completely, scoop the remaining dough onto 1 sheet and bake. Store the cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.