Basil is usually treated as a two dimensional commodity, which is upsetting for our sensitive friend. It’s the shining star in pesto, the uniting factor in the group of pine nuts and Parmigiano, and trying to make caprese without basil is trying to conduct a chorus without harmony. It’s like John Daker singing “Amore.” It just doesn’t work, does it?
Still, basil is pretty under appreciated for what it really brings to the table. It’s asked to creep behind the veil of the savory, only being offered a supportive role when it was born to lead. If you look at what basil lends to the flavor of any particular dish, it becomes glaringly obvious how underused it is.
Sweets, man. Basil is sweet, and while its herbal sister, mint, has found glory in ice cream, candy and other sugary applications, basil is left wading in a murky red puddle of marinara and despair, seething. Basil gets no respect. But nobody puts basil in the corner. Nobody.
Recently I did a guest post for Stark Bros on Blueberry Basil Meyer Lemonade (Shout out to me!), but thought, why not chocolate? So I put it in this chocolate cake. That’s…actually the whole story. It’s anticlimactic, but what do you want from me?
Hey genius, how about a few basil facts? Some Eastern cultures — such as in Hinduism with holy basil — revere basil as an herb of love, said to be from the gods. Sometimes it’s placed in the hand or mouth of the dead to ensure their ascension into heaven, or God. For some European cultures — namely the ancient Greeks — it was believed to be the herb of Satan.
Keats once wrote a poem about a woman, Isabella, who mourned her murdered lover, Lorenzo, by putting his head into a pot with basil and filled it daily with her tears. Me? I put it in cake and then in my stomach because, unlike Isabella, I’m not dist-herbed. Can I get a high five?
Did you know that dogs can eat basil because it isn’t toxic for them? True story! But chocolate is! Sorry, dogs!
There are additional beliefs that basil can bring wealth if you carry it in your pocket, and others that say it will cause you to develop scorpions in your brain and die. Like, literal scorpions. In your brain.
Whatever you believe, know this: chocolate and basil combined is awesome. Chocolate and dogs combined is tragic.
THE GIVEAWAY
I really don’t want to detract from this post, because…well, did you see that chocolate basil cake? It’s flippin’ awesome. So make sure to love all up on it, as this is just kind of an extension of the chocolate cake post that came about last minute. It’s an extension of that post in the same way wooden legs are an extension of a real leg. Like, you didn’t originally intend for your real leg to be extended by a plank, it just sort of happened.
Full disclosure: I don’t have a wooden plank leg, but if I did, I would probably start tap dancing. Except instead of tap dancing, it’d be more like tap clomping. Like a clydesdale. On account of the wooden leg.
Anyway, this is my first giveaway!
CONTEST RULES:
You must subscribe to this blog on the right hand side with a valid email. You can’t win if you don’t subscribe with a valid email!
You must comment below saying what you would use the gift card on.
And that’s all you have to do, but you should also…
For the Fudge Cake (adapted from Ina’s Beatty’s Chocolate Cake recipe)
2 cups of flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup chilled buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large, free range eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet Starbucks Via dissolved in 1 cup of near-boiling water
For the Basil Swiss Buttercream Frosting
1 cup packed basil leaves
½ cup heavy whipping cream
3 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
4 egg whites
Pinch of cream of tartar
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
9 oz semisweet chocolate
Instructions
For the Chocolate Fudge Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line four 8″ cake pans (or two if not divvying up into two cakes) with parchment paper, and lightly grease and dust with cocoa powder.
In a bowl, sift and whisk together all the dry ingredients and set aside. In a stand mixer, combine eggs, buttermilk, and oil and whisk together until just combined. Using the paddle attachment, start mixing the wet ingredients on low speed while slowly adding the dry ingredients, ensuring all is properly incorporated.
Add the cup of coffee and mix until just combined. Remove bowl from mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula, ensuring any hidden clumps of dry ingredients are found and dealt with. The batter will have a very thin consistency.
Pour half of the batter, roughly 2 1/2 cups, into each prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out dry. Allow cake to cool for about 15 minutes and then flip them over onto a wire rack to continue to cool while you make the basil Swiss buttercream filling.
For the Basil Swiss Buttercream Frosting
In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream until near boiling, but do not bring to a full boil. Remove from heat, add cup of basil leaves to hot heavy cream and allow it to steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once the heavy cream has cooled to room temperature, remove basil leaves, making sure to squeeze them of their juice into the heavy cream, and discard basil leaves.
Whip basil cream with a wire whisk until stiff peaks form.
In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the butter on medium speed for 3 minutes or until light yellow and fluffy. Add basil cream and continue to beat together until fully incorporated.
Combine sugar and egg whites in a *clean, dry heat proof bowl and set over a pan of water on medium to medium-low heat. Heat up the egg whites while stirring frequently, but not whipping them, until the sugar dissolves and the whites register at 160 degrees on a candy thermometer, making sure to not raise the heat on the stove too much otherwise the eggs will start to cook, which is not what you want. Remove from heat, add pinch of cream of tartar and beat eggs with the wire whisk attachment on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until stiff, glossy peaks form. *It is important to use a clean bowl when mixing the egg whites, as well as clean beaters, otherwise they will not form stiff peaks and you will have to start over.
Remove bowl from mixer and mix basil buttercream into whipped egg whites one half cup at a time until all the buttercream has been added to the whipped egg whites.
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
In a double boiler melt the semisweet chocolate and set aside to cool slightly.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the butter on medium speed until yellow and fluffy.
Turn mixer on low and slowly add chocolate, mixing for 1 to 2 minutes until fully incorporated. *If the buttercream frosting is too runny, place in fridge for 5 to 10 minutes and then stir. Do not leave in fridge for longer or it will solidify.
To assembe
Using four squares of parchment, place them around the edge of a cake stand or plate so they cover the edge of the plate and rest about ½ inch underneath where the cake
Place bottom half of cake the cake stand over the parchment and spread ¾ of the basil buttercream frosting on top of it. Place second half of cake on top of the buttercream, and use the remaining ¼ basil buttercream to even out the sides where any gaps of buttercream might be missing, so the cake has no indents on the sides.
Using a flat, steel icing spatula, place 2/3 of the chocolate buttercream mixture on top of the cake and spread evenly, across the top and over the sides. Do not spread too thinly on the cake, as this will make crumbs end up in your frosting. Spread over the cake in a thick layer and even out as you go along, scraping off excess as needed.
Carefully remove parchment from under the cake (use a paring knife to slide between the bottom of the cake and the parchment and wiggle each square out slowly).
High five! I have been reading your blog for a few months and I just have to tell you how much I love it. Your recipes are amazing and your writing…I want to be best friends with you!
LOL… “dist-herbed”… Punniest thing I’ve heard all day!!!
Um, this cake looks really good… I wish I lived in your neighborhood, because I want to try some and even though I’m a baker – sometimes I just want to eat someone else’s cake.
What would I spend a $50 Williams-Sonoma Gift Card on? Oh lord…. I could put it towards that new Breville Ice Cream Maker/Compressor that rocks my world… Or I could get a nice Emile Henry pie dish. Hmm. The list is too long. That place is like a candy store (really, sometimes they have candy).
You rock, Kerry! Always entertaining blog posts, regardless of giveaways. You have a great writing style.
I would add to my Goldtouch collection to bake up more goodies! And some yummy extras like extracts, sanding sugars and confections to make my baked goods the best things you’ve ever tasted! Can’t wait to give this receipe a whirl!
every time I walk in that store I want one of everything so I am not sure which of the one of everything I would get if I one but I know I wouldn’t have a hard time spending it.
Holy freakin yum. I’m a heart attack away from eating this whole cake by myself. I would hoard it all, no joke.
I’d use the gift card towards helping me buy a stand up mixer. I have a big hankering for some fresh focaccia and the thought of making again by hand without one is a daunting and oily thought.
I subscribed, but didn’t get a validation email. Hopefully it’s okay! I love the idea of basil in a cake. I have a lovely basil plant and use lots of basil, but never thought to combine it with chocolate. If I won, I would be a heart shaped cake pan.
As a college student, there are very few kitchen items I already own (that aren’t hand me downs or in some other way not functional). But I love to bake and would definitely have to put the gift card towards something fun and inspirational to help me get in the mood to bake, like a new cookie sheet or muffin tins!
What would I buy at one of my favorite stores, Williams & Sonoma . . . a perfect platter to serve this beautiful cake on, as well as new cake pans (can you ever really have too many). Great post!
I will use it to buy Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Extra Freezer Bowl.
My kids love ice cream and to help in the kitchen.
Love the basil/chocolate idea, will make for great ice cream too.
Wow, I have no idea, but something that is FOOD. The Modjeska caramels look good. There is a farm market here that sells homemade fudge, and once I tried a sample of “Modjeska” fudge. I’m still regretting not buying a pound of it on the spot! They haven’t had it since I’ve been back
Although, my patio and my grill are like my two favorite possessions, if a patio counts as a possession. And there’s a jalapeno pepper roaster!!!! Non slip!!!! And an adjustable nonstick burger press!!!!
I really just came over to ogle that gorgeous chocolate basil cake but I LOVE your post and all the fun facts about basil! Basil is one of my very very very favorite herbs! I have used it in things like watermelon basil sorbet and Italian creme sodas, but never have I thought to pair basil with chocolate. You have inspired me!
Ok, gift card: what would I buy? I don’t know, something kitchen-y. There is nothing more fun than a kitchen store … decisions are SO hard there, though! It’s so hard NOT to buy the whole store!
I would use it to purchase another cookbook because food items only last for a bit, gadgets eventually break, pans get scuffed but a cookbook is forever! It can be used each and every day!
The question is what WOULDN’T I use a giftcard to William Sonoma for? I really want an ice cream maker, biscuit cutters, some new utensils, different food stuffs.. Yummy…
I would buy some spices for my grandmother! They closed the store nearest to me in garden state plaza so I have to make the treck to the next store 12 minutes further from my house but its worth it. I love the store the products the feel. I even love browsing their online store! lol thank you
I just got a mirowave oven from my sister that you can also bake & broil & toast in! I would buy some cooking bowls/pans. It’s a smaller unit & I do not have many pans/bowls to fit in it!
Maybe an awesome smaller pizza stone!
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154 Comments
Simple. Elegant. Gourmet. GENIUS!
High five! I have been reading your blog for a few months and I just have to tell you how much I love it. Your recipes are amazing and your writing…I want to be best friends with you!
If you keep feeding me amazing compliments like this one, then I’d be honored to be your best friend!
LOL… “dist-herbed”… Punniest thing I’ve heard all day!!!
Um, this cake looks really good… I wish I lived in your neighborhood, because I want to try some and even though I’m a baker – sometimes I just want to eat someone else’s cake.
What would I spend a $50 Williams-Sonoma Gift Card on? Oh lord…. I could put it towards that new Breville Ice Cream Maker/Compressor that rocks my world… Or I could get a nice Emile Henry pie dish. Hmm. The list is too long. That place is like a candy store (really, sometimes they have candy).
You rock, Kerry! Always entertaining blog posts, regardless of giveaways. You have a great writing style.
I would love to get the Blossom Bundt Cake Pan
I would use the gift card to put toward buying an All-Clad d5 Stainless-Steel Stir Fry Wok.
i would get the printed halloween hand towels and other holiday goodies!
rypm25@aol.com
I would get the Bold Stars & Stripes Place Mats and Napkins
I forgot to mention that I’m an email subscriber
I could use a new Dexas cutting board, and a Microplane rasp grater.
And I have to mention that your chocolate basil cake sounds amazingly good!
I would put the money towards a fine chef’s knife.
I would put it towards a Le Creuset Dutch Oven
I would add to my Goldtouch collection to bake up more goodies! And some yummy extras like extracts, sanding sugars and confections to make my baked goods the best things you’ve ever tasted! Can’t wait to give this receipe a whirl!
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I would put it towards a new toaster.
I would give it to my sister as a gift!
I would get a new springform pan for cheesecakes.
I’d probably get a lovely Le Creuset piece. I’ve been wanting to begin my foray into that brand for awhile now.
I would but the Wüsthof Stainless-Steel 8-Piece Steak Knife Box Set http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/wusthof-stainless-steel-8-piece-steak-knife-box-set/?pkey=csteak-knives
I woud get their grapefruit soap and hand lotion
La Chamba Colombian Clay Round Casserole Dish
Give it to my mom for Christmas, she’s SO difficult!
I would get canisters!
I would buy some fun utensils for the kitchen — or maybe some of their great rubs/sauces!
I love Williams Sonoma I need new spatulas I would probably get some of them
I need new knives so i would get those
i will buy some yummy goodies to share with my family!
I would buy the truffle salt and more popcorn supply (to make your own homemade poporn) ~
I would use it towards dishes!
I will buy a cake pan
I would use it towards a pasta maker! I’ve been dying for one but I’m low on cash! <3
I will buy new baking sheets.
I would get the Rowenta Cordless Stick Vacuum 18V
I would love new baking pans or anything to do with cupcakes and cakes!
I am email subscriber xo
rafflecopter name: mona zavala
monicamezaa@yahoo.com
I need smaller baking pans for my new toaster oven.
I’d put it towards Le Creuset cookware purchase.
I would buy a pizza stone.
I’d get the Blossom Bundt Cake Pan.
I subscribe and I would buy spices
Awesome giveaway! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on GFC
I would put it towards some new knives.. All my knives are pretty old and could really use a new set. Thanks
I will use it toward new pots and pans.
I would get a 15″x11″ Epicurean Cutting Board in the Slate color
Would definitely purchase new kitchen towels.
Will put it toward a juicer for my family.
Some new pans
I would use it towards new canisters or new pots and pans.
i subscribe
i usually use gift cards as christmas gifts so i will probably give it to a family member
I would go to the section of their website dedicated to extracts, etc. and have fun choosing some.
I would really like a wok so the $50 would go towards that. I have been trying to do stir frys in a largish frying pan and it just does not work!
I would put it toward an electric pasta maker!
I might chose the Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Dish—7 x 10 1/2—in red!
Olive oil, microplane…so many choices!
Some new bakeware or casserole dish
I would like a Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Loaf Pan
Probably a serving tray.
every time I walk in that store I want one of everything so I am not sure which of the one of everything I would get if I one but I know I wouldn’t have a hard time spending it.
a new bowl set and collander
i would buy a new food processor!
A new apron
i would buy a few pretty colored spatulas and maybe something fun from their food section!
I would buy new pots & pans.
Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Bakers, Set of 2
I’d get their J.K. Adams Maple Reversible Carving Boards… Still using my carving board from college– definitely need a new one!
I would get the Kuhn Rikon Classic Paring Knife Set.
a baking stone or put it toward new pots and pans
I am in need of a dutch oven
I am now a subscriber of this fab-u-lous blog! And I would def add to my Henckle knife collection…best knives I’ve ever used!
I subscribe through Google Reader.
I need a new oblong size baking dish.
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Holy freakin yum. I’m a heart attack away from eating this whole cake by myself. I would hoard it all, no joke.
I’d use the gift card towards helping me buy a stand up mixer. I have a big hankering for some fresh focaccia and the thought of making again by hand without one is a daunting and oily thought.
I would buy a new peppermill
I subscribed, but didn’t get a validation email. Hopefully it’s okay! I love the idea of basil in a cake. I have a lovely basil plant and use lots of basil, but never thought to combine it with chocolate. If I won, I would be a heart shaped cake pan.
I’d buy some new cookie sheets…mine are all rusted.
As a college student, there are very few kitchen items I already own (that aren’t hand me downs or in some other way not functional). But I love to bake and would definitely have to put the gift card towards something fun and inspirational to help me get in the mood to bake, like a new cookie sheet or muffin tins!
that cake looks divine!
What would I buy at one of my favorite stores, Williams & Sonoma . . . a perfect platter to serve this beautiful cake on, as well as new cake pans (can you ever really have too many). Great post!
I’d use the gift card as part of a payment for a new set of stainless steel cookware.
Chocolate and basil together? Brilliant. If I win the gift card, I would put it toward a new kitchen knife.
I will use it to buy Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Extra Freezer Bowl.
My kids love ice cream and to help in the kitchen.
Love the basil/chocolate idea, will make for great ice cream too.
I would use it towards the KitchenAid immersion blender. I love it!
I would use it towards the one piece of Le Creuset I want (and feel I need sometimes). A dutch oven.
I would get a new bundt cake pan.
Wow, I have no idea, but something that is FOOD. The Modjeska caramels look good. There is a farm market here that sells homemade fudge, and once I tried a sample of “Modjeska” fudge. I’m still regretting not buying a pound of it on the spot! They haven’t had it since I’ve been back
I would love to try the spice Garam Masala. And a good bottle of balsamic vinegar..
i would totally use that up in a second on some pots and pans for my new apartment!
I’d buy some extra special olive oils.
I’d buy some new baking pans.
I Would use it towards a Kitchenaid stand mixer attachment
If I win, I’ll give the gift card to my mom. I’m not sure what she’d get.
Halloween stuff!
I would buy the Le Creuset Table Wine Opener, Antique Chrome
I would use the gift card for some non-stick cookie sheets.
I’d put it towards new knives
I’d get the Chambers® Heritage Solid Towels!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I would get the Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Covered Casserole dish.
Not exactly sure yet but maybe a wine aerator.
I would make it a birthday or Christmas gift.
I am convinced that the winning answer is DECORATIVE TURKEYS.
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/decorative-turkey/?pkey=ctabletop-decor
Although, my patio and my grill are like my two favorite possessions, if a patio counts as a possession. And there’s a jalapeno pepper roaster!!!! Non slip!!!! And an adjustable nonstick burger press!!!!
But probably just turkeys. Decorative turkeys.
I would buy some mixes I could so with my kids, like the whoopie pie mix and the sprinkles cupcake mixes.
My daughter’s bedroom needs painted so I would be purchasing paint.
I would get some new toys for the grill
I’d get the set of 3 Creamware Canisters
Oh I would LOVE to buy a red WS apron and I need new measuring cups and mixing bowls. LOVE WS!
Star wars cookie cutters <3
I would get the Zoku Single Pop Maker
I’d use the gift card to fulfill some of the items off our registry…maybe an ice cream maker attachment!
I would buy some yummy gourmet goodies!
I would buy the Organic Black Glass Compote Bowls, Set of 4
A really fancy crockpot
MIGHT GET Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Caramel-Nut Popcorn
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
I might get some of their dinnerware…maybe their cereal bowls.
I would put it towards the William Yeoward Crystal Sonoma Goblet. Extravagant, but life is short! Good luck everyone!
Probably a le creuset baking dish
I’d buy a new pan. Mine are looking kind of shabby!
i need some new jelly roll pans
I am not sure yet…Maybe some food items or the Breville Pie Maker or towards a crepe pan.
Interestingly enough, cilantro is actually the Devil Herb. Proof:
http://thewateringmouth.com/on-cilantro-the-devil-herb/
I would probably put it towards an awesome cast-iron pan!!
xoxo
Cheri
Silly Greeks, everyone knows Cilantro is actually the Devil Herb.
I would probably put it towards an awesome cast-iron pan!!
xoxo
Cheri
I really just came over to ogle that gorgeous chocolate basil cake but I LOVE your post and all the fun facts about basil! Basil is one of my very very very favorite herbs! I have used it in things like watermelon basil sorbet and Italian creme sodas, but never have I thought to pair basil with chocolate. You have inspired me!
Ok, gift card: what would I buy? I don’t know, something kitchen-y. There is nothing more fun than a kitchen store … decisions are SO hard there, though! It’s so hard NOT to buy the whole store!
I love your blog and your recipes and have subscribed. I’d love to get a mandoline (for my own kitchen and not to give away) from Williams Sonoma.
I’d put a gift card toward a new stand mixer!
I would buy a ceramic knife or two; mine are all getting dull and I could use some new ones.
I would use it to purchase another cookbook because food items only last for a bit, gadgets eventually break, pans get scuffed but a cookbook is forever! It can be used each and every day!
I am subscribed to your site…love the posts
The question is what WOULDN’T I use a giftcard to William Sonoma for? I really want an ice cream maker, biscuit cutters, some new utensils, different food stuffs.. Yummy…
Organic Black Glass Compote Bowls, Set of 4
I will buy the OXO Digital Leave-In Thermometer.
I’d get a new set of cookware!
chrissylea1979 (at)gmail(dot) com
star wars cookie cutters
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
I really need a new cake pan!
A Christmas gift for my sister in law! I got her something from there last year.
A new skillet!
I have my mouth all set for that cake, but I’ll try to tell you the answer you want. I will look for gadgets for my kitchen.
i need a bamboo cutting board
I’d use it to complete my new kitchen!
I would buy some spices for my grandmother! They closed the store nearest to me in garden state plaza so I have to make the treck to the next store 12 minutes further from my house but its worth it. I love the store the products the feel. I even love browsing their online store! lol thank you
Tongs and measuring spoons. I can’t find anything since we moved.
putting it toward a wok
Some cool cookware
i think towards a new french press
ill use it towards an all clad slowcooker!
I would get the Nordic Ware Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Cakelet Pan!
email subscriber and i need to get new knives
I would buy some cookie sheets!
I’d get some oversized white bowls for pasta or soup
I would love to get the Blossom Bundt Cake Pan
I would love to get a grill pan!
All-Clad Stainless-Steel cookware
it would probably take me days to decide what to get since they have so many things I like, I’d love to put it towards a Vitamix though
I’d use it for some bakeware.
I would spend it on food like the Williams-Sonoma Hot Fudge Sauce.
I just got a mirowave oven from my sister that you can also bake & broil & toast in! I would buy some cooking bowls/pans. It’s a smaller unit & I do not have many pans/bowls to fit in it!
Maybe an awesome smaller pizza stone!