CHOCOLATE GANACHE

16 fluid ounces heavy whipping cream
16 fluid ounces Half & Half
2 ounces unsalted butter
20 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
10 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Bring whipping cream, Half & Half, and butter to a boil on the top part of a double boiler, placing pot directly over the gas flame. Once mixture boils, remove from heat and add chopped chocolates, mix with a whisk until smooth. Place pot over the bottom half of the double boiler (pot is hot with water). Cook for 12-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a plastic container and chill in refrigerator until needed.

Ganache is a pastry chef's favorite friend. It is one of those wonderful recipes that can be used in many areas, such as warmed and served over ice cream or added to coffee or milk (hot or cold). Ganache can also be used as a filling between your favorite cookies.