Tuxedo Recipes

Steps:

• To make the cake: For a three-layer cake, place one baking rack one-third from the bottom of the oven and the second two-thirds from the bottom.
• Preheat the oven to 350°.
• Line the bottom of three 9-inch or two 10-inch pans with parchment paper rounds, grease with butter, and dust with flour (Or spray with Baker's Joy).
• Combine the butter, water and canola oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
• In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, cocoa and flour.
• Pour the butter mixture into the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
• Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then whisk in the buttermilk.
• Whisk in the baking soda, salt and vanilla all at once.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pans.
• For a three-layer cake, stagger the cake layers on the oven racks so that no layer is directly over another.
• Set two layers on one rack and the third on the other.
• For a 2-layer cake, stagger the layers on the middle rack with one placed more toward the front of the oven and one toward the back.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Monitor the layers carefully for doneness; each one may be done at different times.
• Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on racks for about 15 minutes before inverting onto baking racks.
• Cool the cakes completely, at least two hours, before frosting.
• To Make Frosting: Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream in a large bowl on high speed until soft peaks form.
• Add the powdered sugar and whip until thoroughly combined.
• Place one cake layer on a plate and spread some of the frosting over the top.
• Top with the remaining layers, thickly coating the top and sides of each with frosting.
• Refrigerate the cake until the whipped cream frosting has stabilized, at least one hour.
• To Make The Glaze: Place the chocolate in a medium bowl.
• Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is very hot and just beginning to steam.
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until it has melted completely.
• Stir in the syrup and the vanilla.
• Pour the glaze into a medium pitcher or measuring cup and let cool for ten minutes.
• Do not let the glaze sit longer because it will stiffen and become difficult to pour over the cake.
• Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, ensuring that it covers the top of the cake entirely, but make sure some of the cream frosting shows through the drizzles on the sides. (If the glaze doesn't flow easily over the edge of the cake,don't be afraid to add an extra tablespoon or two of the syrup).
• Refrigerate the cake until the glaze is set and the whipped cream frosting is firm, at least one hour.
• Slice the cake with a long serrated knife, dipping it in a tall glass of hot water between each slice.
• The refrigerated cake will keep for about 2 days. **Please note that the cook time only reflects the time needed to bake the batter. Other time is spent on the frostings etc and there are lots of periods where the cake is resting or cooling.

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• In a skillet, saute the chicken, mushrooms and red pepper in 2 tablespoons butter for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
• Add the lemon juice and broth.
• Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until heated through.
• Drain the pasta and add to skillet.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil and remaining butter.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Prepare cake batter and bake as directed on package for 2 (9-inch) round cake layers, blending dry pudding mix and milk into batter before pouring into prepared pans. (Batter will be thick.) Cool cakes 10 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
• Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in sugar. Make chocolate curls from 1 oz. each semi-sweet and white chocolates (see tip); refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cut each cake layer horizontally in half. Stack on plate, spreading 3/4 cup cream cheese frosting between each layer. Spread remaining frosting onto top and side of cake.
• Microwave COOL WHIP and remaining semi-sweet chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min., stirring after 1 min.; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Cool 5 min. Pour over cake, letting excess drip down side. Garnish with chocolate curls. Keep refrigerated.

Steps:

• Rinse a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe and discard the excess liquid. Combine the remaining liquid ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into the waiting cocktail glass. Garnish with the orange twist and cherry.