Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) high-quality white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings of your choice (such as almond extract, citrus zest, or liqueurs)
Instructions:
1. Chop the white chocolate into small pieces if using bars, or use white chocolate chips. Place the chopped chocolate or chips in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Once the cream is simmering, remove it from the heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate in the bowl.
4. Let the mixture sit for a minute to allow the hot cream to soften the chocolate.
5. After a minute, gently stir the mixture with a spatula or whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If any chocolate pieces remain, you can gently heat the mixture in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst, until smooth.
6. If desired, stir in vanilla extract or other flavorings of your choice to enhance the ganache's taste. Be creative with flavors like almond extract, citrus zest, or a splash of liqueur that complements your dessert.
7. Allow the ganache to cool slightly at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable.
8. Once cooled to the desired consistency, use the ganache immediately as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries, or as a filling for desserts. Alternatively, you can let it cool completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container for later use.
9. Before using refrigerated ganache, let it come to room temperature and gently reheat it in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth and spreadable.
10. Enjoy your homemade white chocolate ganache as a delicious and decadent addition to your favorite desserts!
White chocolate ganache adds a rich and creamy flavor to any dessert, and its versatility makes it a favorite among bakers and pastry chefs. Experiment with different flavorings and ratios of chocolate to cream to customize the ganache to your liking.
