Chocolate, Chocolate!

Technically, the first cake I ever made from scratch was chocolate, but we didn't eat it. Now don't freak out. It didn't go to waste! It was most definitely was consumed, but in a different manor. In cake ball form. Triple chocolate cake balls that is. Now these were so delicious. Of course, my sister and I were both pregnant when we made these so I imagine we thought they were totally amazing and other people thought they were too rich. I know there are plenty of chocolate lovers out there who will love this though. Also, I have a few ideas you can try too. I haven't made these a second time because they are soo time consuming and let's face it; who has THAT much time with two children under two. Not this woman. Besides, if I do get that much time to cook, I think I will try to make croissants or am I thinking crescent rolls. Now I am confused. I guess that's what happens when baby #2 keeps you up all night. HA! Anyway, Here is the recipe and a few suggestions

Triple Chocolate Cake Balls

Ingredients:

Chocolate cake (recipe below)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 c unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c powdered sugar, plus some for coating
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp milk
24 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c shortening

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, finely crumble the cake

2. In a medium bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder and milk; beat together until smooth and creamy

3. scrape cream cheese mixture into the crumbled cake. Using a  large spoon or your hands, mix until blended. Press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the dough; chill at least 2 hours, up to 2 days

4. To form the cake balls, line baking sheets with parchment paper. using a medium sized cookie scoop (about 2 Tbsp) scoop out mounds of dough and shape into balls between your palms. hen finished with a tray, place in freezer, then continue to work with the rest of the dough. Balls must be kept in the freezer at least 30 minutes.

5. To coat the cake balls, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan containing a small amount of simmering water (water NOT to touch bowl). Add chocolate pieces and shortening, melting over gentle heat. Stir frequently until smooth.
* So here is what I am thinking...wouldn't it be delicious to use white chocolate?

6. Drop the cake balls into the chocolate one at a time, lifting them out and placing on prepared baking sheet once coated.

7. When all the cake balls are coated, transfer to the freezer for about 20 minutes to harden the chocolate. Then remove from freezer coat with powdered sugar and serve chilled.

 *If you use white chocolate, then obviously they should be coated in cocoa powder!

ENJOY!

I hope you enjoy the cake balls! If you try any of my suggestions, please let me know how you like it!

Source: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/triple-chocolate-cake-balls/

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The second cake I made from scratch was chocolate. I know it is a little confusing but really, this IS the second cake I made to eat in its original cake form. HA! I never actually took a picture of this cake, but perhaps someday I will. It is just chocolate and therefore not that exciting for me, but my sister loooves chocolate cake and requested it for her birthday so I made it for her. Use this recipe for the cake balls above or to eat as plain ol' cake :)

2nd Attempt

Best Ever Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

Frosting of your choice
3/4 c unsalted butter
3 eggs
2 c all purpose flour
3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c milk

Directions:

1. Let butter and eggs stand at room temperature for 30 min. Meanwhile, lightly grease and flour a 13x9x2 inch bakig pan; set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a mixing bowl stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 c at a time, beating on medium speed until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl; continue beating on medium speed for 2 minutes, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one, add vanilla, beat.

4. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beating until combined. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.

5. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cake in a pan on a wire rack.

6. Spread your favorite frosting ontop!

ENJOY! 

Source: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/triple-chocolate-cake-balls/