Classic Chocolate Cups Food

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven, and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat the butter and both sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a second large bowl until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at time, beating after each addition to incorporate; beat in the vanilla. 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 onto each prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Roll each into a ball with slightly wet hands. Bake until the cookies are golden but still soft in the center, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
• When the baking sheets have cooled 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.
• Variations:
• For cakey cookies: Replace the light brown sugar and granulated sugar with 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F until golden and tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For crispy-cakey cookies: Bake the cookies at 425 degrees F until golden and crunchy on the outside, 8 to 10 minutes.
• For chewy cookies: Use 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup and omit the granulated sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F until golden and crunchy on the outside, and chewy on the inside, 10 to 12 minutes.
• For super-chewy cookies: Substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour. Bake at 375 degrees F until golden with caramelized edges, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For extra-crispy cookies: Bake the cookies at 300 degrees F until flat and crunchy, 24 to 28 minutes.

CLASSIC HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the sugar and cocoa powder dissolve and the milk is steaming; do not boil.
• Whisk in half of the chopped chocolate until melted, then whisk in the remaining chocolate until smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

CHOCOLATE CUPS

Steps:

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until smooth.
• With the brush, spread the chocolate mixture on the inside (bottom and sides) of the foil or paper cups. Place on a baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm; about 45 minutes.
• Just before assembling, remove the foil or paper cup.
• Fill with desired filling.

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• For mousse: Heat whipping cream gently in double-boiler or small saucepan until it comes to a simmer.
• Remove from heat and add chocolate.
• Stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
• Whisk in the egg yolks and brandy.
• Set aside to cool completely.
• Beat 1/3 cup cream, sugar and vanilla in medium bowl to stiff peaks.
• Fold into cooled chocolate mixture.
• Spoon into wineglasses.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.
• For cream: Beat cream, sugar and brandy in medium bowl to soft peaks.
• Top mousse with dollops of cream.