Cool Chocolate Dessert

This one takes a bit of prior work to have it ready in time for your after-meal enjoyment. It is, however, relatively easy and can be dressed up or plain - your time, choice, and creativity!

Cool Chocolate Dessert
1/3 cup hot water
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
dash of salt

Combine the hot water, cocoa, and vanilla in a small bowl. Set aside for now.

Microwave the chocolate  until completely melted. Let cook for ten minutes. You can also melt them over a double boiler if you don't have access to a microwave.

Whip the cream, sugar, and salt with a mixer until soft peaks form. Stir the cocoa mixture into the melted chocolate. With a hand whisk, fold the combined chocolate mixture into the whipped cream.

Now comes the fun! Do you want to turn it into a pie? Just spread it into a baked pie crust and refrigerate until firm. No time for a pie crust? Layer the chocolate cream into pretty glasses alternating with whipped cream, cookie crumbs, canned cherries, etc. and top with a garnish of whipped cream. A drizzle of bottled caramel sauce wouldn't be bad, either. It is hard to go wrong with anything chocolate and it is easy to create a great dessert with this as your base.

Whipped Cream (this recipe lasts for a few days without breaking down)
1-2 cups of heavy whipping cream (depends on how many you are serving and whether you are layering the dessert, too.)
1/4 cup sour cream (not low fat!)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Whip together the cream to form peaks, whip in the extracts, and there you have it!