Chocolate Oblivion Food

ALMOST-FAMOUS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Prepare the cake mix as the label directs for a 9-by-13-inch cake. Bake; cool slightly in the pan, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
• Clean out the cake pan and line it with plastic wrap. Cut the cake in half lengthwise, then in thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles. Using a serrated knife, slice each rectangle in half to make two layers. Arrange half of the pieces snugly in the cake pan. Crumble the remaining pieces and press tightly into 6 small balls; arrange 1 cake ball in the center of each cake rectangle in the pan.
• Make the mousse: Heat the chocolate, butter, coffee and 1/4 cup water in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water), stirring, until melted. Remove the bowl from the pan; stir until cool. Reserve the simmering water. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Whisk the egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a separate large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water and whisk until pale yellow, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chocolate-coffee mixture and the vanilla and whisk until combined, about 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and set in the bowl of ice water; whisk until slightly cool but not thick, about 4 minutes.
• Beat the egg whites and salt in a bowl with a mixer until foamy. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until almost stiff; gently fold into the chocolate-yolk mixture to make a dark chocolate mousse. Spread 5 cups over the cake and cake balls. Freeze until firm on top, about 30 minutes.
• Beat the heavy cream and the remaining 4 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form; fold into the remaining mousse. Remove the cake from the freezer; spread with the light chocolate mousse, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Make the chocolate shell: Stir the chocolate, heavy cream and 4 tablespoons corn syrup in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) until melted. A spoonful at a time, spread half of the shell mixture over the frozen mousse. Return to the freezer.
• Make the chocolate sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon corn syrup and the butter to the remaining chocolate shell mixture. Microwave 30 seconds, then stir until glossy.
• To serve the cake, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until foamy. Add the sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Remove the cake from the freezer; invert onto a baking sheet and unmold, then invert again onto a platter, chocolate shell-side up.
• Cut the cake in half lengthwise using a warm knife, then cut into thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to make 2 triangles. Top each triangle with whipped cream, ice cream and the prepared chocolate sauce.

CHOCOLATE OBLIVION

Steps:

• Melt chocolate's and butter over double boiler until almost melted.
• Remove from heat and stir to melt completely.
• Place eggs in bowl and whisk over double boiler until warm to the touch.
• Immidiately whip with an electric beater until tripled in volume.
• Fold into chocolate.
• Place in 6inch cake pan and bake for 12 minutes in a 425 degee oven.

CHOCOLATE OBLIVION TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 with rack in middle level. Grease a 9x12 pan with a tablespoon of vegetable shortening.
• Break the bittersweet chocolate into a large saucepan with the butter and a little salt. Turn the heat to very low. Whisk to melt.
• In the meanwhile, crack the eggs into a stand mixer bowl with the sugar and a little salt. Fit with the whisk attachment and turn to at least medium-high. Whisk 5-12 minutes, or until the egg mixture triples in volume.
• Add one third-one half of the eggs, whisk to incorporate, do not be afraid, the mixture will not be caused harm. Add the remainder of the eggs and whisk or fold until smooth, I find the whisk easier, and more reliable.
• Pack the mixture into the prepared pan, smooth the surface if nessecary. Set the pan into a larger pan and fill with 1/2-1-inch of hot water. Bake for exactly 25 minutes. Remove to cool entirely on a rack before frosting with a ganache.
• Make the ganache by brining 1 cup cream to a boil, and breaking or chopping semisweet chocolate into a bowl. Add a little pinch of salt. Pour the cream into the chocolate, rest for a few moments, if desired, and then whip till smooth. Cool, stirring often.
• Spread the chocolate onto the cake, smoothing as needed. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for ten minutes or so, until the icing is firm enough not to tear, then cover with foil or plastic wrap, or both, and chill thoroughly overnight, before serving the next day, see note.
• Serve with dessert sauce and cream.