How to Make Black Forest Cake

Layers of cream, poached cherries and rich dim chocolate make this conventional German Black Forest cake a completely tasty, liberal and show-halting creation. This wanton cake tastes just as unimaginable as it looks and is ensured to awe even the hardest of faultfinders. This thump out excellent may look complex, yet you can figure out how to make it with this clear formula.This Black Forest cake tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients: For the Poached Cherries

• 1/2 cup superfine (caster) sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 pound / 450 grams fresh or frozen pitted cherries, plus extra for decorating

• 6 tablespoons Kirsch liqueur, optional

Ingredients: For the Cream Filling

• 10.2 fluid ounces / 300 milliliters heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar, plus extra for decorating

Ingredients: For the Ganache

• 3.5 ounces / 100 grams dark chocolate, chopped, plus extra for decorating

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Step 1: Measuring the Ingredients

Baking is a science, so carefully measure out all of your ingredients beforehand for the best results.

Carefully measure your ingredients beforehand.

Step 2: Preparing the Pans

Heat the oven to 335 F / 170 C. Grease and line two 7-inch / 18-centimeter round cake tins and set aside.

Tip

• Alternatively, you can use a 2-by-7-inch / 18-centimeter cake tin and slice the cake in half before assembly.

Grease and line your cake tins.

Step 3: Melting the Butter

In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt together the butter and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside to cool.

Melt the butter and vanilla over low heat.

Step 4: Combining the Eggs and Sugar

Place the sugar and eggs in a large bowl. With an electric hand mixer, whisk them together on a low speed to just combine.

Whisk the eggs and sugar to combine.

Step 5: Whisking the Eggs and Sugar Over Heat

Set the egg mixture over a pan half-filled with boiling water. Continue to whisk on low speed for 3 minutes, and then increase the speed to medium and whisk the mixture until it is pale and tripled in volume.

Whisk until the mixture is pale and tripled in volume.

Step 6: Cooling the Egg Mixture

Remove the bowl from above the hot water, and continue to whisk until the mixture has cooled to room temperature -- about 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will be thick and leave a ribbon trail when the beaters are lifted out of the bowl.

The mixture should be thick so that it leaves a trail.

Step 7: Adding the Melted Butter and Flour

Pour the melted butter down the sides of the bowl, and gently fold it in. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, and gently fold the batter again until the flour is just incorporated.

Warning

• Be careful not to over-fold the mixture here, as it will lose all of its air.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients.

Step 8: Baking and Cooling

Divide the mixture evenly between the cake tins, and bake in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until the cake rises and springs back when gently pressed in the center. Leave the cakes to cool in their tins before inverting onto a wire rack.

Let the cakes cool in their tins.

Step 9: Making the Poached Cherries

While the cakes are cooling, make the poached cherries. Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan set over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the Kirsch liqueur and cherries, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cherries have absorbed some of the syrup and are puffed and tender. Strain the cherries and the syrup into two separate bowls, and set both aside to cool.

Set the cherries and syrup aside to cool.

Step 10: Making the Chocolate Ganache

To make the chocolate ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Pour the hot cream into the bowl with the chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute before gently stirring to combine.

Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate.

Step 11: Making the Cream Filling

For the cream filling, add the cream and powdered sugar into a large bowl and whisk until the cream begins to just hold its shape.

Whisk the cream until it begins to hold its shape.

Step 12: Glazing the Cake Layers

To assemble the cake, place the first cake layer on a plate or stand and brush it generously with cherry syrup.

Glaze the first cake layer with syrup.

Step 13: Filling With Cream and Cherries

Generously spoon 3 tablespoons of the cream on top the first cake layer, leaving a slight border around the edge. Arrange the poached cherries on top of the cream.

Arrange the cherries on top of the cream.

Step 14: Top With the Second Cake Layer

Add the second cake layer. Brush again with cherry syrup, and then pile on the cream and extra cherries.

Top with the second cake layer.

Step 15: Decorating the Cake

Finish the cake by pouring on the chocolate ganache, adding a generous dusting of powdered sugar and sprinkling with extra shaved chocolate.

Top with chocolate ganache.Dust with icing sugar.Sprinkle with shaved chocolate.

Step 16: Serving

Chill the cake for 1 hour to make it easier to slice, taking it out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before you plan on serving it.

Chill the cake before serving to make it easier to slice.

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Healthy Foods to Reduce Stress

 

If you arrive late to work, moving to a new home or struggling to pay the bills, sorry - the chemical reaction that makes your heart race and tense muscles. And when untreated and poorly managed, stress wreaks havoc on your health. It makes you more susceptible to diseases like the common cold, increases blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes and depression. You may already know that exercise and meditation are healthy ways to reduce stress, but the nutrients certain healthy foods can also help.

Certain healthy foods can help lower stress

 

Ohmm With Dark Chocolate

Feeling stressed? Go ahead and eat some dark chocolate. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in chocolate, stimulates the release of serotonin in the brain. This chemical that changes the state of mind has been shown to make you feel relaxed and happy. Nutrients in dark chocolate also improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. While this sweet offers a number of health benefits for emphasis not want to over do it. An ounce of dark chocolate a day should be enough to help you cope. Lisa Cimperman, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, also suggests non-alkaline dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa to get the greatest benefits.

Dark chocolate stimulates chemicals that make you feel relaxed. (maria17/iStock/Getty Images)

Stress-busting Salmon

Omega-3 in salmon are not only good for the heart, but researchers say it can also help to better manage stress. Essential fatty acids found in salmon protect neurons against damage caused by stress, which is particularly useful for those who deal with chronic stress. For good health, try eating salmon or other fatty fish such as tuna or sardines twice a week. If you are not in fish, flaxseed or walnuts Cimperman suggest getting your omega-3.

The essential fatty acids in salmon protect neurons from stress damage. (iStock/Getty Images)

A Banana a Day

Low in calories and easy to access, bananas are a good food to add to your stress reduction regime. Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases production of serotonin, according to naturopathic doctors and Kathleen A. Gregory S. Kelly head. Bananas make a regular part of your diet list stores levels of vitamin B6 and the production of serotonin in place. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps lower blood pressure.

The high potassium levels in bananas can help reduce blood pressure. (Howard Shooter/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images)

Anti-Anxiety Swiss Chard

Cortisol is the main hormone responsible for stress response. He prepares the body for fight or flight reactions, flooding glucose for immediate energy. Chronic stress reduces magnesium in your body, and increase low levels of sensitivity to stress, which aggravates the effects, according to some researchers. If stress is making you feel anxious, angry and agitated, your body may be deficient in magnesium. With a glass 150 milligrams per serving cooked spinach can magnesium intake, balance cortisol levels and helps reduce anxiety.

Swiss chard is high in magnesium, which can help reduce anxiety. (bonchan/iStock/Getty Images)

Tea Time

Green and black tea contains L-theanine amino acid. This amino acid increases the production of dopamine and serotonin. Such as serotonin, dopamine is a chemical welfare in the brain that promotes fun. So even if a cup of green tea has more caffeine, sometimes a cup of coffee, L-theanine can eliminate the incentive to promote feelings of joy and relaxation in some people.

The amino acid found in tea releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. (Natalie_B/iStock/Getty Images)

Immune-Boosting Red Peppers

Crunchy and sweet red peppers, not only add color to a stir-fry or salad, but also stimulates the stress of health and immune combat. A 1/2 cup red peppers portion contains 158 milligrams of vitamin C - which is more than a drink 6 ounces of orange juice. It also has more vitamin C than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 90 milligrams to 75 milligrams for men and women. According to Dr. Dr. Kelly and head, increase intake of vitamin C in higher quantities than the RDA helps to lower cortisol levels - they recommend to 1 gram per day. This is especially important for men who tend to have higher cortisol levels than women.

Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C and can lower cortisol levels. (carotur/iStock/Getty Images)

Power-Up With Beans

B vitamins are known to help extract energy food you eat, but they also have an important role in stress management. Promotes sleep niacin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and regulate cortisol in stressful situations thiamine and folic acid is required for neuronal regeneration. Beans are not only a good source of B vitamins, but are also rich in fiber, protein and iron. A whole beans 1/2 cup portion, including black beans, kidney beans or chickpeas, can help you get the B you need to work on stress. Stir in beans in soups, salads or whole grain dishes for added texture and flavor.

 

Beans contain niacin, which promotes sleep. (Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

 

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Curried Spinach and Artichoke Skillet Pot Pie

 

This pie combines some of my favorite ingredients - puff pastry, spinach and curry powder in Japanese. An unexpected combination, I know. But I promise that this pie is incredibly delicious! The spinach artichoke filling is soft and creamy, beautiful stained yellow from the curry powder and topped with puff pastry, golden pie crust.

I created this recipe from a desire to convert the classic spinach artichoke dip into a complete meal. But I also wanted it more interesting, so I added a bit of curry powder. My curry powder curry powder choice is S & B. It is soft filling, very complete and perfect creamy spinach artichoke. I tried many curry powder and I think that one of the most. If you can not find S & B, use mild curry powder on hand.

I use a good cast iron skillet to fill this pie, and then I shot the mass just above the pan and bake. A dish with very little cleaning required is easy. If you do not have an oven proof skillet, transfer the spinach filling an oven-proof dish, place the puff pastry on top and bake. You can also make meat pies in individual dishes. However you do it, just make sure to put the pie on a baking sheet, because the liner may overflow.

Skillet Pot Pie with Spinach and Artichoke Recipe

Serves 2-3

Ingredients

1 frozen puff pastry sheet

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

2 cups frozen spinach

1/2 cup canned, drained, quartered artichoke hearts

2 small carrots, cubed

2 teaspoons Japanese style curry powder

2 cups whole milk

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 cup grated parmesan, optional

Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Method

1. Leave the puff pastry sheet out to thaw at room temperature. It will take about 20 minutes to thaw. While the puff pastry is thawing, work on the spinach filling.

2. Heat oil in a 9-inch cast iron skillet or other oven proof skillet. Add the onions. Cook on medium heat until they are soft. Then add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

3. Throw in the spinach, artichoke hearts, carrot, and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Whisk the milk and flour together in a small bowl until there are no lumps. Pour it over the spinach. Crank the heat up to high and let the sauce come to a boil.

5. Add Parmesan and salt. Mix well and turn off the heat.

6. Cut the puff pastry so that it fits over the skillet with a bit of over hang. Carefully place the puff pastry on top of the skillet. Gently the press it onto the rim of the skillet. Pierce the middle of the puff pastry with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.

7. Place the skillet on a baking sheet (to catch any filling that bubbles over) and place in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes or till the puff pastry is golden.

 

 

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