Sunday Dinner

We invited Nana and Papa over for dinner last night so I made one of Tom's favorite foods, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. I used the recipe from Cooks Illustrated's January 2010 issue. Two rising periods makes the crust better suited for a weekend than a weeknight, but if you're going to be around the house anyway, it's a great recipe to try. Tom says that it was more authentic than any of the local options.

For dessert I made Billy's Vanilla cupcakes. These are Martha's favorite vanilla cupcakes and mine as well. With a buttery, tender crumb and boasting a strong vanilla flavor, they're everything I've ever wanted in a vanilla cupcake. Add the fact that they can be made in one bowl and case closed. I don't think I'll ever need another vanilla cupcake recipe.

For the frosting, I used whipped chocolate ganache. It's so easy to make and so decadent. I made the Cook's Illustrated version from Baking Illustrated, but here's a free recipe that's almost identical. To get the whipped consistency, refrigerate until the ganache has the consistency of soft pudding; about an hour in the refrigerator. If the ganache becomes too firm, it may separate as you attempt to whip it. Once it has cooled and thickened, use a standing mixer with a whisk attachment and whip on high for about a minute. Don't over-whip or the ganache will curdle. Just whip until it has lightened and appears fluffier.

You can also skip the mixer and just use it as a dense, shiny, spreadable frosting. You can also skip the cupcake and eat it out of the bowl with a spoon. Yum!

The girls are ready to dig in. Eevy, like her Mama, loves chocolate.