Chocolate Ganache

 

 

Step 1: Pour heavy cream into a heavy bottom 1 quart pot. If you choose, add the vanilla bean to the heavy cream.  

 

Step 2: Chop the chocolate into small chunks. Place chocolate into a bowl.

 

Step 2: Begin heating the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 

 

Step 3: At full simmer pour heated heavy cream over the chocolate. All the heat from the heavy cream will melt the chocolate in 1-2 minutes. 

 

Step 4: Gently whisk chocolate and heavy cream mixture until combined, dark in color, and has a nice shine. Cool slightly before using.