Well guys, we’re moving.
Gahhhhh.
Yep, we’re moving from my beloved Colorado to Fort Hood, TX.
I was trying to be tough and not let my husband, who obviously has no control over this, see that I was upset so I went about business after he told me. And then he asked if I was okay and I started full-on ugly crying while vacuuming.
I think it was just the shock of it. Like, two days ago they were telling him that he’s going to the promotion board next month and giving him the summer field schedule. And then surprise! You’re moving to Texas!
Once it kind of set in, I was excited. Fort Hood isn’t exactly at the top of my list of places to live but I really love the adventure of it all. A new place, a fresh start.
And then I was like, “BUT I JUST FOUND A HAIR GUY I LIKE! THIS IS HORRIBLE!”
Plus, everything’s a lot more complicated this time. When we moved from Alabama to Colorado, we just had the 2 kids and no one was in school yet. Now we have another kid and 2 different schools to deal with. I mean, by the time we get there and get settled, the kids will have only have a couple weeks of school before summer.
I know things will be fine but right now I’m just overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.
If you live in the area, I need to know where the good dog park is, where the splash pad for the kids is, and where the best Mexican restaurant with a variety of margarita options is. Okay?
And because I may or may not have eaten my feelings last night, I’ve got a Flourless Chocolate Cake for you today! I love a flourless cake – they are just so rich and decadent. Plus that ganache on top! Amazing.
And I know that the word “ganache” sends people running in fear but it’s just chocolate chips and heavy cream! You make it in the microwave. It’s easy, I swear.
You should definitely make it for your Valentine.
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- 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons espresso powder optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
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Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly grease an 8" round cake pan; cut a piece of parchment or waxed paper to fit, grease it, and lay it in the bottom of the pan.
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To make the cake: Put chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each one, until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.Transfer the melted chocolate/butter to a mixing bowl.
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Stir in the sugar, salt, espresso powder, and vanilla. Add the eggs, beating until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, and mix just to combine.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Bake the cake for 25 minutes until it's cooked through and the top has formed a thin crust.
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Cool in pan for 5 minutes before loosening the edges with a knife and turning onto a serving platter. The edges may crumble a bit, that is fine.
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To make the glaze: Combine the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each one, until mixture is smooth.
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Spoon the glaze over the cake, spreading it to drip over the sides a bit. Allow the glaze to set for several hours before serving the cake.
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Flourless chocolate cake (with ganache no less!) is one of my favorites – and this looks simple and delicious! Good luck with your move (everything will be fine…) :-)
this cake is to die for literally, and i love how rich it is….for extreme chocolate lovers only lol!
it is to die for absolutely! i have my 3rd one in the oven now lol! i haven’t gotten to hardly eat the 1st 2 i made bc i shared them lol! this time i used 3/4 coconut sugar, and i added a little bit of cinnamon and fled in some chopped walnuts….but this is my go to choc cake recipe. you did a fabulous job! & ty for sharing :D i would love to create or find a recipe like a banana nut cake similar to this cake….sorta like a blondie bar texture
Well you definitely have a reason to feel this way seriously. I would feel overwhelmed too. Thank goodness for this lovely cake though. It relaxes me just looking at it.
This is definitely the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. Truly decadent! Sending good thoughts for a smooth move!
Oh no. I hate doing the ugly cry! I hope your move is quick and easy. This flourless chocolate cake looks extremely fudgy and delish. If I had that hanging around, I would eat my feelings too.
Oooh, it’s been far too long since I’ve done a flourless chocolat cake and my husband would love it!
I love flourless chocolate cakes and yours looks so moist and delicious. Good luck with your move. I think you’ll like Texas – it’s a great state to live in.
Oh, girlie…doing the ugly cry is never fun, but sometimes so necessary to get all those emotions out!!! Good luck with all the packing and school changes…and keep the flourless cakes flowing out of your kitchen. I hear chocolate is good for stress :-) Sending hugs!!!
Good luck with your move- and love your sense of adventure. You know what else I love? This cake. Perfect.
Oh you poor thing, I hate moving. But even though you did the ugly cry, it seems like you have a positive attitude. And chocolate cake.
Ft Hood? Cool! Just think of how close you will be to Austin and lots of fun Texas adventures. :-) You got this!
Yeah, I’m pretty excited to be so close to Austin! I’ve always wanted to visit (mainly for the food! ha!) but never had the opportunity.
Thanks for reading and commenting! :)
I am sorry you had to do the ugly cry. I hate those type. I would be sad too. Not because of the move but because the hectic and craziness. But you are totally right. It will be fun and new! You get to go to new restaurants and a clean house. It’s like spring cleaning, hehe. Does Texas get snow? This cake look delicious and its healthy because it flourless right? Good luck and hope all goes well!! ;) Pinned!
Amanda, girl, I’m so sorry. . but, on the bright side, the cost of living should be way cheaper in TX right? I was actually born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I think Fort Hood is kinda close to Austin, and Austin is the coolest city ever. I’m sure you’ll find the dog park, a good Mexican restaurant and another hair dresser. . hopefully your kids will be ok!! We moved from Seattle (which I LOVED) to Madison, WI (where I am now) because of my husband’s job too .. I was so sad but now that it’s been a year and the kids like it here, it ain’t so bad. And plus, you have flourless chocolate cake . . which looks SO GOOD! keep us posted on everything!!
Hey! You won’t be all that far from Austin. (ah, I see someone already made that point, but Austin is cool and will only be an hour+ away). You will not lack for Tex-Mex and margaritas in Central Texas.
Oh man — good luck with the move (and finding a new hair guy — I know how important that is!). At least you have this amazing cake.
Such a perfect Valentine’s dessert, easy and chocolaty!
Chocolate of any kind will make you feel better! Good luck.
For a split second I thought maybe…just maybe…you’d be moving to CA. And then I would cry with you. But happy tears. BUT you’re moving farther away. And Texas. Blerg. And now I think I need about 3 slices of this cake. WOW. Big news.
My hat is off to you and all the other military families who just have to pick up and move their lives from one place to the next with little notice and just suck it up and do it. I am sorry you have to go through this….I hope there is LOTS of cake and even more margaritas for you :) Hugs and this cake looks amazing!
Oh I am so sorry. Unexpected moves are the worst. I grew up with a dad in the military and it was rough sometimes. But at least you’ve got good priorities — finding margaritas will help ease the transition!! And cake. Cake always helps.
The cake looks fabulous!
Like has been said, you are very near Austin and thee hill country of Texas is wonderful! Visit Inks Lake State Park as well ans many others in the area…beautiful! Climb Enchanted Rock, tube the Guadalupe River, visit San Antonio Riverwalk area, tons there for adults and kids! So much to see and do…..Welcome to Texas!!!!
On phone so please over look the typos
Oh goodness! I forgot one of the most important topics….Margaritas!!!
Ask around to find the best “Mexican Margarita”. YUM!
That should say “Mexican Martini” … a wonderful option to the traditional margarita….and you’ll only find them in the Austin area!
I think I needed more caffeine this morning LOL
Chuys is in Round Rock and definitely worth the drive. I know several families who actually choose to live in RR and commute to FH.
Mmm so fudgy looking! This cake sounds lovely!
Oh no! I have no recommendations for Ft Hood, but I DO hope this cake helps. It WILL be a new adventure!!
ugh, moving. That is a lot to deal with, especially with kids having to change schools. You’re right – once you get there everything will be okay, but the ugly cry is understandable. Hang in there. xo
Your cake looks so delicious, btw. Have you ever whipped coconut cream? That would be a fun topping for this…
Very scenic there. And, you shouldn’t have the heat we endure further south i.e., San Antonio.
Is there something i can substitute for the exspresso?
You can leave it out and it will be fine. It doesn’t really give a coffee flavor, it’s just supposed to enhance the chocolate flavor. But yeah, it’ll be perfectly fine without it! :)
1) I’ve never made a flourless cake, but so excited to make this later today. 2) How lucky are you to experience living in different states! Most people never even leave the neighborhood they grew up in and look at you! Mrs. Stately traveler!! I think it’s fun and fantastic and look at the exiting new chapter you will be able to write in your book! It will be great — just remember to “Keep it Fun!” 3) I hear Texas has some of the best hair salons in the world! 4) Here’s a short list of the best Margaritas in Texas in case you want to celebrate when you get there… http://imbibemagazine.com/best-margaritas-in-texas/ . Good luck, go with the flow and I’ll let you know how the Hubby loves the cake! P.S. I may have exaggerated a bit about #3 :)
pinned the recipe. My infantry son & wife/family have been posted to Fort Hood twice. Definitely check out the Cosper’s Country Meat Market on 2300 E. Elms Rd in Killeen…they have incredible meat, home made sausages and their own rubs! They sell their pre-smoked meats as well! The HEB market has great fresh-baked breads. Have fun in Texas and enjoy! Football is King in Texas – Hook ‘me Horns -University of Texas!
Hope you have had a good move. My son is at Ft. Hood and lives in Temple. If you haven’t already found out, Chuy’s is a fantastic Mexican restaurant. You cake sounds soooooo yummy!
I’m about to make this cake for the 2nd time and it is amazing! for true die hard chocolate lovers only lol! great with premium dutch cocoa and today I’m using some ghirardelli choc chips and dutch cocoa…..this cake is more like a brownie but no complaints from me at all, it looks beautiful and is decadent