THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul." -~ The Koran BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE ~ 1985 favorite retro-dessert ( Bon Appetit ), perfect for February (National Cher ry Month) Cherry Topping: 1 lb. (thawed) frozen unsweetened cherries 1/4 cup kirsh 1/4 cup Morello cherry syrup ( or sour cherry syrup ) Chocolate Crust: 8 12 oz. chocolate wafer cookies 6 Tbsp. (3/4 stick) well-chilled butter, cut into 12-in. pieces Chocolate Filling: 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 12 oz. coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate 16 oz. (room temperature) cream cheese 3/4 cup sugar 4 (room temperature) eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chilled whipping cream 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. kirsch Chocolate curls For topping: Soak undrained cherries and kirsch in small bowl 6 hours. Thoroughly drain cherries in strainer set over medium bow, shaking occasionally, at least 2 hours. Reserve liquid. Add enough Morello cherry syrup to cherry liquid to measure 1 cup. Pour 6 Tbsp. in...

"Oh, with a little luck ~ December will be magic again." ~ Kate Bush 'Magical' Cyclamen (Return of the native ~ 4 th year) The Cyclamen Society _________ CHOCOLATE BOURBON BUNDT CAKE ~ Perhaps because the taste is so memorable, ideal for holiday entertaining and Derby Day, this same recipe is posted on many websites ... this keeper is from Wickwood Inn ... ___________________ 2 sticks unsalted butter (more for greasing pan) 2 cups all-purpose flour 5 oz. good quality unsweetened chocolate (like Ghirardelli 60% or 70% cacao for baking) 1/4 cup instant espresso powder 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup bourbon and more for dousing 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. baking soda Confectioner's sugar or softly whipped cream for garnish Butter and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. Preheat oven to 325-degrees. Over simmering water, melt chocolate. Let cool. Put espresso and cocoa powders in 2-cup or larger glass...