Chocolate Cake Recipe

[pat]

sarahh kept her end of the bargain, so I need to post the recipe for brian1789's birthday cake

Mint Truffle Birthday Cake

Cake:
One box "super moist" cake mix and required ingredients
2 chocolate pudding cups


Ganache:
13.5 oz (4 1/2 three ounce bars) Ghiradelli Mint Chocolate
10.5 oz (3 3.5 ounce bars) Valrohna Dark (71%) Chocolate
12 oz heavy whipping cream

Decorations:
mini Peppermint Patties
Ghiradelli Dark chocolate shavings (I used a 3 oz bar to make the shavings)

Make the cake according to directions, adding the two pudding cups. It works a little better to cook it at a lower temperature -- 325, say -- and checking regularly to prevent the edges from burning. Don't be freaked out when it collapses in on itself: the result will be a very dense moist cake, which is necessary to support the weight of the chocolate. Let the cake cool 15 minutes in pan, then turn out on a rack to cool completely.

Using a food processor, chop the chocolate until the size of regular chocolate chips or smaller. Place in a bowl. Heat the cream until just boiling. Pour over the chocolate and let sit ten minutes. Then stir the cream until it is completely incorporated and the chocolate is completely melted. Let sit covered at room temperature until it set to icing consistency.

Carefully slice each cake layer in half, giving you four thin layers. Fill the layers, and cover the tops and sides of the cake with the ganache. Cut the candies in half and place them along the bottom edge of the cake, and sprinkle shavings on top.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.