Ingredients

  • 8 oz. fine-quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, slightly softened
  • 1/3 c. whipping cream
  • 1/4 c. cognac
  • about 3 Tbsp. unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 3/4 c. finely chopped walnuts

Method

  • Melt chocolate in a medium bowl over nearly simmering water. Stir until smooth.
  • Remove from water; cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, cream butter until smooth.
  • Heat cream in a very small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbles form around edge of pan; cool 3 minutes.
  • Pour cream over chocolate all at once. Whisk until blended.
  • Whisk in butter; cool mixture to room temperature.
  • Gradually stir in cognac.
  • Cover with a paper towel and plastic wrap; refrigerate about 5 hours or until firm.