Hazelnut and chocolate is one good combination.

This was done for a quick dessert,but the taste was awesome.

A one layer cake with chocolate cream to sandwich ,topped with fresh cream, chocolate

shavings and praline.

I made praline with hazelnuts ( caramelised) .Simple and elegant .

INGREDIENTS

For the cake

2 cups flour

1 cup cocoa powder

2 cups sugar ( brown preferably)

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

A pinch of salt

1 cup milk/ buttermilk

3/4 cup oil

2-3 eggs ( depending on size)

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup boiling water

Method

First pour boiling water over the cocoa powder and mix well .

Beat eggs and sugar till creamy.

Mix the dry ingredients separately in another bowl .

Now mix the wet and dry ingredients together without any lumps .

Pour into baking tray and bake for 30-35 minutes (180 degrees )

Now for the layer

1 cup cream

Half cup chocolate chips

Lightly heat cream and pour over chocolate and stir well till chocolate is dissolved. Pipe

or spread between layer.

For cream topping

1-2 cups cream

2-3 tblsp of powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Whip up the cream till it holds peaks and spread over the layered cake.

For the praline

2-3 tblsp sugar

1 tblsp water

1 tblsp butter

Heat the sugar and water without stirring on medium heat.

Once you see it browning on the sides ,mix lightly add butter and nuts.

Mix well and pour the mix quickly on a board or parchment paper.

Once it crystallise and cool crush it and use for topping with chocolate shavings