Penguin Teaboy

OMG this is too cute! I want one :)
Penguin Teaboy

Links

Imcooked.com is a video community site for sharing recipes.

Watch Waz and Lenny cook at Crash Test Kitchen.

Christopher Walken Cooks

Farmer's Market Cravings

This week my goal is to try to hit one of the area farmer's markets. I want fresh locally grown produce. I want real food. Recently I've been working such long and crazy hours that real food has been more fast food than anything else. And by fast food I don't mean just burgers and fries.

Depending on what I find at the farmer's markets, I might have to scour up some recipes. Thing is, I'm not sure what I'll find so looking now for them is sort of counter-productive, in a way. But I'm craving that freshness you really can't find at the supermarkets. And "cooking" would take that away. Maybe more salad type recipes is what I want to help emphasize the freshness.

Sadness too as apparently I'm not good enough to be posted to tastespotting. :(
Oh well.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

One supermarket near where I work has a decently large take-out section for the working folk in the area. One item that I was drawn to try was their corn and black bean salsa. And I was glad for it as it was very tasty. So tasty in fact that it inspired me to try to make my own creation.

Since it's corn season, I decided to try this with fresh, sweet corn on the cob. It added a perfect sweet balance to the concoction. When corn is not in season, I'd think you could get the same results with canned or frozen corn.

I figured I'd start out simple and if that was successful, in the future I could experiment to make it more fancy. Although, sometimes simple is good enough on its own.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

1 15.5oz. can black beans
3 cobs of corn
1/2 red onion, diced
Canola oil
Olive oil
Vinegar
Oregano, dried
Kosher Salt
Pepper

1) Get a pot of water boiling. Add fresh corn cobs and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
2) When the corn is finished, take them out of the pot and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, or you can place in an ice water bath.
3) Using a knife, cut off the corn kernels from the cob. (Be careful as they do have a tendency to bounce all over the place as you cut them from the cob.) Place in a mixing bowl.
4) Open can of black beans. Pour into colandar or something so you can rinse them off. (You don't want to have any of the liquid from the can on it as it's very starchy). Place in mixing bowl with the corn kernels.
5) Dice 1/2 a red onion and add to mixture.
6) Start by adding about 3 TBSP canola oil (this is approximate, I didn't measure the oil this time.) Stir to coat. Then add 1-2 TBSP olive oil until the entire mixture is well coated.
7) Add about 1 TBSP, or slightly less, vinegar. Stir to combine.
8) Season with about 1 TBSP dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
9) Mix to combine.
10) Use immediately or cover and put in fridge to allow flavors to mingle.



I ate this right away, but am looking forward to see how it tastes after the flavors have had chance to mingle together. I'm guessing it will be even more fantastic.

Another way to cook the corn would be to throw it on the grill for a bit. And I'm sure that would be fabulous too, giving it a bit of smokey flavor. Also try adding some fresh parsley and cilantro into the mix, which I would have done if I had some on hand. And perhaps a bit of garlic would be good, since that always makes things even more tasty.

Try this on tacos, on grilled meats, or alone as a side. Your imagination is the limit. :D

mmmm beer!

Beer Cupcakes!!!
(via tastespotting.com)

Blueberries

ApartmentTherapy has a nice spotlight on blueberries. Yum!

Tasty Link: 060807

The Butcher Block is a blog about meat.

Boston Area Farmer's Markets

Thankfully there's Russos for the winter months, but I have to say I'm rather disappointed that the Farmer's markets in my city don't open until after the 4th of July. The other frustrating bit about it is that their hours are not at all accommodating for those who work the 9-5 grind. I guess we aren't worthy of fresh, locally grown produce or something. *smirk* Neighboring cities like Waltham have their farmer's market open mid-June (16th) - and note: it's on a Saturday so everyone can go.

Working downtown the options go up and many of the markets seem to start a bit earlier (in May). Copley Square has had its market open now for a couple weeks, which is handy if you work in the area.

The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets lists some locations and other important info - days and times - for the markets they manage.

Brookline has a farmer's market at the Centre Street Parking Lot that runs every Thursday from 1:30pm until dark from June 14 – Oct 25, 2007.

This one is apparently by South Station in Dewey Square. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm between May 21 - Nov 8.

Another great resource for finding farmer's markets is LocalHarvest.org, which also has lots of other handy info on farms and pick-your-own and other good foodie stuff.

And then there's the Mass Dept of Agriculture with another list of farmer's markets by county.

Tasty Links: 060207

Fried Baby Artichokes! Oh that prickly green tasty treat! It's funny that when I moved to the East coast from the West coast, it seemed most people I met had never tried one before, or didn't even know what one was. Thankfully they are plentiful and easy to find now. Downside is that they have traveled rather long distances by the time they get to the supermarkets here that they aren't always worthwhile. When shopping for your 'chokes, make sure you look for tight heads and check the cut end of the stem - you don't want it to be too brown and dried out.

Ginger Carrot muffins sound delicious. I'd love to try these with a Cream Cheese Frosting. Ooooh yes. :)

Baking911 seems to be an interesting site that might be handy down the road for, well, baking.

Fried apples sound fantastic. A wedding possibility? hmmm. Sounds like Maple Roast Chicken would be good too.

Tasty Links: 053107

Coconut Bread - sounds so good. Wonder if you could make it into french toast. ;)

Menu planning at MightyGirl. I love her idea of "need to eat now" list on the fridge. We could use that idea. Maybe I will design something up. More food planning here too.

(All above links swiped from notmartha)

Pictures for Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

Added some new pics to an old post from November to go with the recipe for Yum Yum Brownie Muffins. We had friends over today and we were feeling the need for something chocolatey - so easy peasy...these got whipped up.

Tasty Links: 05.26.07a

These Seoritas look sweet and are loaded with brown sugar and almonds. Drool!

Or how about German Chocolate Cake from David Lebovitz. Hu-huh!

Jamie Oliver's Bloomin' Brilliant Brownies. Naughty!

Cheats Roast Pepper & Halloumi Tortilla - goes in my tummy!

Cheesy Crustless Quiche looks great. I've been thinking of doing something like this for dinner one night. Oooh! Caramelized Onion Quiche or a Rustic Onion Tart also sound delicious and worth trying.

White Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe from 101 Cookbooks also looks yum. Love that she used potato as a topping. Carb overload!

At the end of this post on Kosher salt at The Perfect Pantry, there's a recipe for Moroccan Eggplant Salad one of my favorite Moroccan salad dishes. I will have to try this!

Crepe Gateau

A couple Mother's Days ago I made this Chocolate Raspberry Gateau. It's dead easy (as long as you find making a huge pile of crepes easy). I don't have a proper recipe for it. But I'll explain how I did it.

I was inspired by the Crepe Suzette, I wanted something that would be somewhat light. Afterall, Mother's Day happens in Spring and both our Mother's always say they want something "healthy". Not that this is really light, but it's a lighter take than say Devil's Food cake or something like that.

Anyway, raspberries grabbed me for some reason. I think because I wanted a a fruit that would pair well with chocolate, and I'm not a huge chocolate/orange fan, so I figured raspberry was always good and it's another classic combination.

I dug out a crepe recipe from my now tattered Joy of Cooking. Poor book's binding has split and I really need a new one. And I started making crepes. Crepe after crepe after crepe. When I had my pile finished, it was really much more like a moutain at this point, I began assembly.

On the plate you are going to use for presentation, lay down a crepe. Smear it with your favorite jam. Lightly sprinkle cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and crushed nuts - I used walnuts. Repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat.

When you finish, dust with powdered sugar. Then I made up a chocolate sauce for drizzling over and serving. It was quite a hit and definitely a keeper recipe for the future. Plus, it has endless possibilities for variations and play. Always a good thing. (Yipes I sound like Martha!)

Tasty Links: 05.26.07

The Bacon Show - features one new bacon recipe per day, every day, forever. Dave, this one's for you! Next time I think we need to try to tackle 3 pounds of bacon. :)

Make at Home Girl Scout Inspired Cookies! Caramel Delights, aka Samoas. And the ever popular Thin Mints.

If Girl Scout Cookies aren't your thing, what about Smitten Kitchen's Homemade Oreo Cookies? They look a bit more like a Whoopie Pies. I have a recipe for that from the mother of one of my friend's from high school. I should post it. Maybe soon. :)

Hankering for something exotic? Posie Get's Cozy has a yummers looking recipe for Tikka Masala. Mmm!

Warm Chickpea Salad with Shallots and Red Wine Vinaigrette from Orangette.

Everybody Likes Sandwiches (yes we do!) has a vegan recipe for Bannock quick bread. Looks so easy!

Good stuff around the web

Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing @ Kalyn's Kitchen- looks divine!

Kalyn's Kitchen is also the home of Weekend Herb Blogging which looks like fun.

Recipe for Ras Al Hanout! Essential to Moroccan cooking. I am registering for a tangine...

Yum! Moroccan Chicken with Kumquats and Prunes. Le sigh. Is it lunch time yet?

For Alex: Apple and Brie Pancakes. Hah!

Carrot and Hazelnut Muffins - oh...my...goodness!

Food and Wine Wiki

Food and Wine Magazine have launched a wiki on their site where people can share and recommend their favorite places to eat, drink and be merry. Nice :)

Food throughout history

Food Timeline provides a nice overview of when people started eating what. Kinda cool.

You can fry avocado?

Apparently, yes you can. Fried Avocado with Fruit Salsa - sounds soooo naughty!

Feed Me Bubbe!

I love this - Feed Me Bubbe is a series of videos set to document a grandmother's recipe for posterity. I wish my Bubbe was around because I would have liked to do something similar. Bonus - you get a Yiddish word of the day/episode. It's brilliant.

Veggie Pasta Salad

This is so easy to make. I created it on a whim and I'd guess you could add tuna or chicken to bring it from a side dish to a complete meal.



Ingredients:
1 lb. Pasta - I like whole wheat veggie Rotini
1 8oz. bottle your favorite Creamy Italian dressing (I like Ken's)
1 red bell pepper
1 cubanelle pepper (or green bell pepper)
1-2 cans of large olives, sliced
1/2 onion, finely diced (can use vidallia or red or whatever)
1 sm. can sweet peas
1 package brocolli slaw (contains shredded brocolli and cauliflower hearts, carrots and cabbage)
1-2 packages of grape tomatoes, sliced in half

Directions:
Follow directions on pasta package and cook pasta. You can rinse it but I do not. To speed up cooling after draining, cover a baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup) and spread the hot pasta evenly. Place in fridge - check and stir occasionally. It will cool down your pasta very quick. Warm pasta is OK but you don't want it hot.

In a large bowl (this makes a TON), combine all other ingredients except for dressing. Add cooled pasta. Cover with dressing. Stir to combine.

Chill and let the flavors mix. Then enjoy!

Note: You could easily substitute whatever veggies are in season as well.

More links

Fresh Ginger Cake looks divine!

Vidalias Au Gratin - mmmm.

For the coffee lover: Coffee Pots

Tasty stuff

Gorgeous herby breads feature spring herbs between sheets of phyllo dough, then rolled the dough into breadstick shapes and baked.

Meatcakes! - What a fabulous idea! Meatloaf shaped into cake frosted with mashed potatoes. Brilliant! Also check out the Meatcake Gallery.

This looks delish! Leek and Potato Galette - heaven!

Onion Eggs - a funky way to dye Easter eggs.

Mushroom Lasagna with Goat Cheese, Broccoli Rabe, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

(From Cook's Illustrated)
If Italian fontina is not available, use whole milk mozzarella rather than a rubbery Danish, Swedish, or American fontina. We like the mushroom sauce made with whole milk, but both skim and low-fat milk are acceptable.

Serves 10 to 12
1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms , rinsed well
1 cup water
8 ounces broccoli rabe , washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
Table salt
2 pounds portobello mushroom caps (about 10 medium), cleaned and cut into 2- to 3-inch by 1/4-inch slices
4 tablespoons olive oil
Ground black pepper
2 large red onions , chopped medium (about 4 cups)
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes , rinsed and chopped coarse
8 ounces button mushrooms , cleaned, stems trimmed, and broken into rough pieces
4 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup dry vermouth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter , plus additional for greasing pan
3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
6 ounces Italian fontina cheese , rind removed and shredded (about 1 3/4 cups)
4 ounces goat cheese , crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup)
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

1. Cover porcinis with water in small microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic with paring knife, and microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Let stand until mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. Lift mushrooms from liquid with fork and roughly chop (you should have about 3 tablespoons). Strain liquid through fine-mesh strainer lined with paper towel into medium bowl. Set mushrooms and liquid aside.

2. Bring 3 quarts water to boil in large saucepan. Add broccoli rabe and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until crisp tender, about 2 minutes. Drain broccoli rabe and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Squeeze dry and transfer to paper-towel-lined plate.

3. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread portobello mushrooms in even layer on rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, tossing to coat mushrooms evenly; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss again. Roast mushrooms until shriveled and all liquid released from mushrooms has evaporated, about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time. Set mushrooms aside to cool.

4. While portobellos roast, heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are browned around edges, about 10 minutes. Transfer onions to large bowl; stir in broccoli rabe and sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.

5. Meanwhile, process button mushrooms in food processor until uniformly coarsely chopped, about six 1-second pulses, stopping to scrape down bowl as needed. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chopped button mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and all moisture has evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to medium and stir in porcini mushrooms, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add vermouth and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.

7. Add butter and cook until melted. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Slowly add reserved porcini soaking liquid, scraping pan bottom to loosen browned bits. Add milk and nutmeg. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce has thickened and reached consistency of heavy cream, 10 to 15 minutes (you should have about 4 cups). Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons parsley and thyme.

8. Combine fontina, goat cheese and Parmesan in medium bowl. Toss cooled portobello mushrooms with onions in large bowl. Place noodles in 13 by 9-inch ovensafe baking dish and cover with hot tap water; let soak 5 minutes, agitating noodles occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove noodles from water and place in single layer on kitchen towel. Wipe baking dish dry and coat with butter.

9. Using rubber spatula, evenly distribute 1 cup mushroom sauce in bottom of baking dish; position 3 noodles on top of sauce. Spread 3/4 cup sauce evenly over noodles followed by 2 cups mushroom-onion mixture and 3/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering of noodles, sauce, mushroom-onion mixture, and cheese two more times. Place 3 remaining noodles on top of last layer of cheese. Spread remaining sauce over noodles and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Lightly spray large sheet of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover lasagna. Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes.

10. While lasagna is baking, combine remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and 1 teaspoon garlic with basil and lemon zest in small bowl. Increase oven temperature to 500 degrees, remove foil from lasagna, and continue to bake until cheese on top becomes spotty brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove lasagna from oven and sprinkle evenly with herb mixture. Cool 15 minutes, then cut into pieces and serve.

Individual Blueberry Buckles

From Cook's Illustrated)

Leftovers can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Makes 12 individual servings

Streusel:
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (2 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch table salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 8 pieces, softened but still cool

Cakes:
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ( 7 1/2 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/4 stick), softened but still cool
2/3 cup granulated sugar (about 4 3/4 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs , room temperature
4 cups fresh blueberries (about 20 ounces), picked over


1. For the streusel: In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt on low speed until well combined and no large brown sugar lumps remain, about 45 seconds. Add butter and mix on low until mixture resembles wet sand and no large butter pieces remain, about 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer streusel to small bowl and set aside.

2. For the cakes: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position; heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with paper liners.

3. Whisk flour and baking powder in small bowl to combine; set aside. In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, cream butter, sugar, salt, and lemon zest at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; using rubber spatula, scrape down bowl. Beat in vanilla until combined, about 30 seconds. With mixer running at medium speed, add eggs one at a time; beat until partially incorporated, then scrape down bowl and continue to beat until fully incorporated (mixture will appear broken). With mixer running on low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat until flour is almost fully incorporated, about 20 seconds. Disengage bowl from mixer; stir batter with rubber spatula, scraping bottom and sides of bowl, until no flour pockets remain and batter is homogenous; batter will be very heavy and thick. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed.

4. Transfer batter to prepared muffin cups; with spoon, spread batter evenly to cup edges, gently pushing in to fill all gaps, and smooth surface. (Note: Batter will come up to top of papers.) Squeeze handful of streusel in hand to form large cohesive clump; break up clump with fingers and sprinkle streusel evenly over batter. Repeat with remaining streusel. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool until just warm or to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Sliced yumminess

Sliced yumminess
Originally uploaded by janieandchris.

Here's a sliced piece of the Mexican Cornbread Casserole. And the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
1 17oz can creamed-style corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound ground lean beef
1 16oz can red kidney beans, drained
1/2 of 8oz can tomoto sauce (or try tomato paste)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (or real garlic)
chili powder, cumin to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, stir together the cornmeal, baking soda, salt; stir in milk, eggs and corn. Stir in cheese and onion, mix until well blended.


Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook beef until browned; drain. Stir in kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook until heated through.

Grease and sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal over the bottom of a 12x7.5X2 inch baking dish (or a 13x9 dish works too). Turn half the cornmeal batter into the dish. Cover with the meat-bean mixture and top with remaining cornmeal batter.



Bake in a 350F degree oven for about 45 mintues or till topping is GBD and done. Let sit 5-10 minutes to cool slightly before slicing.
Makes about 6 servings.

I add 1 jalapeno or pablano pepper diced, fresh garlic, and 1/2-1 red or green bell pepper, or cubanelle pepper to the meat mixture. Also add some garlic powder and onion powder to it as well.

Cutting board

Cutting board
Originally uploaded by janieandchris.

Making dinner. Tonight it's a Mexican Cornbread casserole. Mmmm. Think it's been out of the oven long enough now that it's probably time to eat it!

Tomorrow I will post last couple pics and the recipe.

OMG Tamales!!!

I have a deep love for tamales. I'm not sure why that is, but they hold an extremely special place in my heart. Traditionally they are made around the christmas holiday. From Mexican to Guatemalian style, they are all spectacular in my eyes. Someday I will be daring enough to attemmpt to make my own tamales. A large listing of tamale recipes here.

I found the Cooking Diva posted on some traditional Panamanian tamale variations. Read all about them here - Tamal de Maiz Nuevo.

More linky goodness

101 Cookbooks looks to be a very interesting site.

Food Porn Watch - Oh my gawd! Did you have plans for today? Not any more. This site lists ooooooodles and oooooodles of foodie blogs. Crikey! (also there is a Knitting Porn Watch!)

The Kitchen@Apartment Therapy has cool stuff to check out.

Grocery Lists found lists and a thing you can download that sorta precreates a list for you.

The Doomestic Goddess has a nice assortment of recipes on her site.

The Cooking Diva Blog also has some good looking recieps too.

Cook Sister writes about cooking from South Africa.

The Passionate Cook has loads of good links, pretty images, good info and more.

Chipotle Cinnamon Chocolate Cupcakes

Chipotle Cinnamon Chocolate Cupcakes
Makes about 18 cupcakes

What You'll Need...
1 Box of Dark Chocolate cake mix
Whatever the box tells you you'll need. Probably eggs, water, and oil.
6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, plus some extra
powdered sugar

What You'll Do...
1) Mix the cake mix as the box says. Again. Physical pain.
2) Place the chipotle peppers in a food processor and puree. Add two tablespoons to the mix. Add the cinnamon.
3) Scoop into cupcake papers. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
4) Let cool. Combine the powdered sugar and some cinnamon to taste in a bowl, then place in a small mesh duster thingy that I'm sure has a name but it escapes me right now. Dust heavily with powdered sugar. Place doily or wire rack on the cupcakes to get a pattern if desired.

(found at Vanilla Garlic)

Sites to check out for food blogging

Wow. This foodie blog makes me wish I could speak/read French better - Station Gourmande

Test Kitchen at Food Network has a blog. I had no idea.

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

From KitchenChick

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
from Martha Stewart Baking Handbook

Some people prefer their brownies cakey. We developed this recipe to satisfy our craving for a bar that was just the opposite: dense, fudgy and full of deep chocolate flavor.

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 inch square baking pan or glass dish. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1/2 to 1 inch overhang on two sides. Set aside.

2) Place butter and chocolate in a double-boiler over simmering water, stir frequently until chocolate and butter are melted, about 7 minutes. Remove bowl from heat; let cooled to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. (You can improvise a double boiler by setting a large heatproof bowl over a pan with simmering water. Becareful to not let water drip into the bowl, or the chocolate could "seize". Other tips for melting chocolate.)

3) Stir sugar into cooled chocolate mixture until combined. Whisk in eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in vanilla. Gently fold in flour and salt.

4) Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with an offset spatula. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

For nutty version: Fold in 1 1/2 cups walnut halves, finely chopped, after the flour and salt. Proceed with recipe.