Kitchen Confections

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Aug 1, 2013) - (Family Features) There are few things more enjoyable than biting into a rich and delicious chocolate dessert. By using a more robust flavor like that of dark chocolate, show-stopping desserts can be crafted right from your own kitchen -- and it is easier than you think.

If you're looking to bring a divine sweet for your next gathering, or you just want to take a moment to treat yourself after a long day, use rich and decadent dark chocolate. Known for its bold, upfront flavor with sweet undertones, dark chocolate is always a welcome addition to any dessert spread. And choosing a variety like DOVE^® Dark Chocolate will ensure a smooth and silky finish with each bite.

Spoil yourself with these delectable desserts featuring complex, rich chocolate. Your family will melt when they sample these recipes for DOVE Chocolate Bark and Flourless DOVE Dark Chocolate Lover's Cake.

For more chocolate recipe ideas, visit www.facebook.com/dovechocolate.

Put chocolate in heat-resistant mixing bowl. Place heat-resistant mixing bowl on top of pot with simmering water. Stir until chocolate is about 2/3 melted.

Remove bowl from water and continue stirring until all chocolate has melted. (For microwave, put chocolate in microwave-proof bowl and microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Once 2/3 of chocolate is melted, remove from microwave and continue stirring until completely melted.)

Fold chopped nuts into chocolate.

Spread chocolate mixture onto non-stick cookie sheet or foil-lined 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan. Refrigerate until chocolate hardens.

Loosen bark from pan and break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container and keep in cool area or refrigerator.

Other flavor combinations:
Pistachios and chopped dried apricots; cashews and dried sour cherries; miniature marshmallows and salted peanuts.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter and parchment line 9-inch round baking pan.

Roughly chop chocolate and place in heat-resistant bowl over pan of simmering water, not directly touching water. Add butter and melt until smooth. Meanwhile, whisk eggs until slightly frothy. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs. Using rubber spatula, fold in 3/4 cup cocoa powder (reserving the 2 tablespoons aside) until just incorporated and pour into prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until crust on top of cake forms.

While cake is baking, pour cream and cocoa powder in large bowl to whip ingredients in later. Place in refrigerator to dissolve powder and chill bowl.

Cool for at least 10 minutes before turning upside down onto serving plate. Remove parchment paper if stuck. Whip cream and cocoa powder in chilled bowl until just stiff peaks form. Serve alongside slice of cake or frost cake with chocolate whipped cream.

^®/™ Trademarks ^© Mars, Incorporated 2013.

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