A Question, The Cake Boss, and Chocolate Ganache!

Sometimes I wonder, why can't I just post a recipe without having to write some story or personal account? That way, I could post more recipes in less time, and also save you from having to scroll down to get to the recipe. I mean, how many of you actually read what I write here? I wouldn't really blame you if you don't; the recipes are the true purpose of this blog.

However, cardinal blogging rules state that it must be so. I must yap on for at least 200 words, otherwise, I will face the wrath of the blogging Gods.

Here it goes...

I love watching Cake Boss. The cakes they produce are truly amazing. What amazes me the most, however, is Buddy Valastro's quick rise to fame. He truly turned his father's small bakery into a multimedia franchise, with national cake deliveries, multiple bakeries, and two (now I hear a third will be starting) t.v. shows. Wow.

And here I am. Just starting a blog with only four posts and very few viewers. But I am sure the first few months were not easy for the 'Cake Boss' either.

Buddy is an inspiration for me. That is why, for my birthday last year, I requested my parents for his new cookbook, "Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy's Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets".

Ever since, I have been trying out the dozens of recipes in the book. From pastries to cookies to cakes, he has included it all!

Unfortunately, not all the recipes in the book are 'amazing'. There are some great recipes, such as his red velvet cake, chocolate ganache, and cream cheese frosting, but then there are also many not-so-great recipes.

Which brings me to the recipe I will be sharing today. I have tried out some unique cupcake flavors in the past, so I thought I would go a bit simple this time. Thus, I decided upon vanilla cupcakes with chocolate ganache, and a simple vanilla buttercream frosting.

Out of the same batter, I also made a Mother's Day cake for my mom.

The cake was not entirely inedible. It was decent, but not spectacular. The frosting, nonetheless, was horrible. Far to heavy, sweet, and just, not appetizing. The ganache, on the hand, was DELICIOUS. Simple to make, it sure does deliver. My family simply plopped the frosting off to the side and ate the rest of the cupcake.

I will continue to search for a better vanilla cake recipe and attempt to perfect Cake Boss's (if you all have any recommendations, please let me know!). Until then, I share with you a modified (better) recipe for chocolate ganache!

**Recipe adapted from Buddy Valastro's "Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy's Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets". Copyright 2011: Discovery Communications, TLC, and Cake Boss.