How do you make a chocolate ganache (or other topping) for a cheesecake?!
How do you make a chocolate ganache (or other topping) for a cheesecake?
I am going to try a recipe I have in my head for a "Cherry Cordial Cheesecake". I want to do a base cheesecake and stir in chopped marachino cherries and chocolate chips (or chunks). For a pretty presentation and some extra chocolate, I want to do a topping. Any ideas?
Answers:
My favorite method of making a ganache is 1/4th C heavy cream 1/4th C half and half, Bring to a boil take off heat. then add enough chocolate chips so it becomes very shiny. If it appears dull or there are clumps stir some more then add more chocolate chips. Keep in mind the better the chocolate you use the better the ganache. I prefer Ghiradelli myself.
Also, if you put the leftovers in a container to cool when it's done you can scoop out balls and roll in various coatings to make your own truffles or with the beater attachment on your mixer, whip into a fudge icing (only when cold though! this must remain cold as wel)
Now if you want an actual cherry cordial cheesecake recipe contact me and i'll give you one.
To make Ganache, chop up 8 ounces high quality chocolate and put it in a food processor. Bring 1 cup heavy cream to a boil and pour it in the processor while it is running. When smooth, put in the frigde to cool and when it is firm, whip, just a little, with a mixer. You can add more cream to make it softer and you can add small amounts of flavoring, like frangelico or kirsh in your case.
First - make sure you use semi-weet chips. Milk choc will make this way too sweet. Look for the Dove Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge topping. Heat a little in microwave and you are good to go. If you really want to make your own... heat some heavy whipping cream in microwave - don't let it boil. Stir in extra chips until it is melted. Probably 1/2 to 3/4 cup cream to 1 cup of chips will work for what you want.