Name: My Kind of Chocolate Birthday Cake
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients: 4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel; 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon all purpose flour; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked, chopped; 5 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 3 ounces high-quality milk chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped; 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream, divided; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate; chopped 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature; Large chocolate shards or curls (from 1- to 2-inch-thick 8-ounce piece bittersweet or semisweet chocolate); Additional toasted husked hazelnuts; Candied orange peel strips

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Chocolate and Torte

My Kind of Chocolate Birthday CakeMark Thomas

"All my favorite things are about chocolate," says Elizabeth Falkner. Thin layers of flourless chocolate cake and an intensely chocolaty mousse are paired with crunchy hazelnuts and hints of orange in this truly decadent dessert. Try it with a scoop of coffee-chocolate chip ice cream alongside.

For best results, use a premium bittersweet chocolate with a high cocoa bean content (variously labeled "cocoa solids," "cocoa," or "cacao"), such as Scharffen Berger 70 percent or Callebaut.

Test-kitchen tip:

To get a neat slice each time, dip a large knife into a glass of hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting the next.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.