Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

I've made this at least five times in the last six months and it's been a HUGE hit everytime!

Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

1 cup of chocolate graham cracker crumbs or you can crumble oreo's without the icing - yum!
3 Tablespoons of melted butter
2-3 cups of strawberries, stemmed and halved
2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of water
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
2 1/2 cups of whipping cream, divided
1 Tablespoon of sugar

In a bowl, mix chocolate cracker or cookie crumbs and butter. Be sure and blend thoroughly. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform or cheesecake pan. Stand the strawberry halves, touching, side-by-side, pointed ends up with cuts sides against side of pan. (these go around the outside of the cake). Set this whole ensemble aside.

Pour chocolate chips into blender. In a small pan over medium heat, mix water and corn syrup; bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Immediately pour the mixture over chocolate chips and blend in blender until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of the cream to form stiff peaks. With a spatula, fold cooled chocolate into whipped cream to blend thoroughly. Pour into your already prepared pan; level the top. (Points of strawberries might extend above chocolate mixture.) Cover and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.

Up to 2 hours before serving, in medium mixer bowl, beat remaining one cup of cream to again form soft peaks. Add sugar; beat to form stiff peaks. Remove side of pan; place cake on serving plate. Dollop whipped cream onto top of cake. Arrange remaining halved strawberries on whipped cream. You can place this in the refrigerator to firm a bit more before serving, or you can serve immediately.

Chocolate Stuffed French Toast

Chocolate Stuffed French Toast

1 loaf French bread
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
5 eggs
1 1/3 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sugar

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut the French bread into 6 slices, each, 1 1/2 inches thick. Using a small, sharp knife, cut 2 inch long slits in one side of each bread slice, cutting 3/4 of the way through the bread, to create a pocket. Spoon heaping 2 tablespoons of chips into the pocket of each bread slice, press to close. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar in medium bowl.
Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with vegetable spray. Place filled slices into prepared baking pan. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread, carefully turn pieces over, spooning mixture in pan over top bread. Cover pan with plastic wrap, refrigerate several hours or overnight. Bake uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer toast to plates. Serve with whipped cream and maple syrup if desired. This recipe can also be made using butterscotch, cinnamon, or toffee chips as well. Add what your imagination allows!