BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE MARQUISE WITH CHERRY SAUCE

Bittersweet Chocolate Marquise with Cherry Sauce image

Yield Makes 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Marquise
10 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup chilled whipping cream
Cherry Sauce
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted, halved
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons kirsch (clear cherry brandy)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Steps:

For marquise:
Butter 8 1/2x5 1/2x3-inch glass loaf dish. Line dish smoothly with foil. Stir chocolate in top of double boiler over barely simmering water until smooth. Turn off heat. Using electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in 1/4 cup sugar, then cocoa powder.
Whisk yolks, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in metal bowl. Set over saucepan of simmering water (do not let bowl touch water). Whisk constantly until candy thermometer registers 160°F, about 6 minutes. Remove from over water. Using electric mixer, beat yolk mixture until thick and cool, about 5 minutes. Beat into cocoa mixture. Fold in warm chocolate and vanilla. Beat cream in another bowl until soft peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture; spread in prepared dish. Cover and chill until firm, at least 4 hours. (Can be made 4 days ahead. Keep chilled.)
For sauce:
Stir all ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat until sauce boils and thickens, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.)
Turn marquise out onto platter; peel off foil. Cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Place 1 slice on each plate. Spoon warm cherry sauce over and serve immediately.