Chocolate ganache is not only an easy way to fill or frost a cake; it is also one of the best ways to add a professional touch. It adds a smooth, satin finish to any cake. Here are 5 creative uses for chocolate ganache:

1. Ice your favorite cake with chocolate ganache to achieve a polished, smooth look.
2. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over an already frosted cake adding a delicious glaze.
3. Frost a cupcake with chocolate ganache to appeal to the grown up crowd.
4. Create a delectable chocolate truffle by filling with chocolate ganache.
5. Fill the layers of a cake with chocolate ganache to add an unexpected surprise.

Sound like something you would want to try? Try these easy recipes.

Chocolate Ganache Icing

Ingredients:

12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups of cream

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small sauce pan over a low heat on the stove and briefly bring to a boil
2. Pour heated cream over chocolate chips in a separate bowl and leave sitting for two minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Allow the mixture to sit until it has reached the desired consistency to frost.
You can pour over the cake and then use a spatula to smooth over cake and sides.
Tip: If you find that the cream was not heated enough for the ganache to be smooth either microwave the mixture for a few seconds or reheat the ganache over the stove. The method depends on what type of bowl was chosen.

Chocolate Ganache Truffles

Ingredients:

12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup cream

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small sauce pan over a low heat on the stove.
2. Pour heated cream over chocolate chips and leave sitting for two minutes, and then stir until smooth.
3. Refrigerate mixture for 2 hours.
4. Roll into balls
5. Allow balls to refrigerate for another 30 mins.
6. Roll into sprinkles, crushed cookies, heath, or any other crushed candy.
The other option is to buy chocolate melts and a candy mold for truffles at a candy supply store and fill with the chocolate ganache truffle center.
Keep truffles stored in refrigerator.

The options are endless!
There are so many variations of chocolate ganache. Tips and ideas to keep in mind:
The longer you cool the ganache the thicker it becomes.
If you do not like the consistency of the finished product, play with it.
Add more chocolate to thicken, add more cream to thin.
Liquor or liqueurs can be added to the ganache for a new flavor.
To add flavor without alcohol there are many candy and baking oils available online or in candy and baking supply stores.
If you do not like semi-sweet chocolate you can replace with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate.

Have fun experimenting and enjoy!