Hard Cider Ganache

Holy moly. This Hard Cider Ganache is GOOD. And fun! Because you get bonus leftover hard cider, too.

Sometimes, really good things come to those who don't restock their pantry. You see, I made you a cake. I made you the tastiest, most simple, flourless chocolate cake you've ever seen. It's decadent and delicious and if you follow me on Snapchat (@fedandfit), you got to see the cake come together in a series of videos. I'll post the full recipe here in a few days. This awesome cake needed a chocolaty crescendo, a finishing touch. My first inclination was “ganache!” I thought that I'd just whip up a simple coconut milk ganache, slather it on the top of the dessert marvel, and then call it a day. THEN, I opened my pantry. The shelf designated for coconut milk in my neat and tidy type-A pantry was empty. EMPTY! I couldn't believe it! Didn't I JUST buy a whole case of coconut milk? What's girl to do? How am I supposed to make ganache?

I put my thinking cap on and decided to throw caution to the wind. A couple bottles of hard cider had found their way into my refrigerator …I thought, well, that could be delicious. If I add some butter, it could end up with about the same fat content as coconut milk. Let's give it a go!

I think I love my accidental recipe successes almost more than I love my recipes that required a LOT more work – like the Perfect Paleo Pie Crust in my Holiday Feast eBook. Oh boy that one was a labor of love. 12 batches and then I finally nailed the recipe.

This one was a labor of a different kind of love. It was an impulsive, fun, creative love. A love of chocolate and of bonus leftover cider. Also, a love of butter. Because everything is better with a little grass-fed butter.

Long story short, this hard cider ganache blew my socks so far off that I decided it needed a photo shoot and recipe post all on its own. I DID put it on the cake, but this ganache is great as-is, too …on some berries, or on a spoon.

If you're looking for a simple recipe for Valentines Day, a girl's night in, or for a quick dessert option at a brunch you're hosting, this hard cider ganache will deliver!

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Hard Cider Ganache

Preparation 10 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 0:25 Serves About 9, 2-tablespoon servings     adjust servings

5 1

1 review

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup hard cider
• 4 tablespoons grass-fed butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and set aside.
2. Add the hard cider, butter, and sea salt together in a small sauce pan. Whisk together over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the butter is melted and everything is well-incorporated. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and stir occasionally for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Pour the hot buttered cider over the chocolate pieces and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, using a whisk, mix the now melted chocolate until smooth. Use right away to top cakes or drizzle on berries.
4. If the ganache gets too stiff to use, simply place the heat-proof bowl over a smaller pot of boiling water and stir until it has a consistency you need.
5. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

by Cassy