Name: Sour Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cake
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 cup sour cherry jam or preserves; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons calvados (or other type of brandy); 2 tablespoons hazelnuts, toasted and skins rubbed off; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (from a 1/4-oz envelope); 3 tablespoons cold water; 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread such as Nutella (5 oz); 1/2 cup mascarpone (1/4 lb); 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 3 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped; an 8-inch (20-cm) springform pan; parchment paper

Sour Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cake

We are happy to announce that Marla Orenstein has won our February 2006 "Cook the Cover" contest with her delicious variation on our Chocolate-Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake.

Marla Orenstein explains her variation:
To me, this rich, heavy chocolate dessert is enhanced with the addition of a complementary tart or sour taste. In this recipe, I have added a new layer—a reduction of sour cherry jam mixed with balsamic vinegar and brandy—between the chocolate shortbread and the chocolate mousse. I find the taste of the whole cake to be more complex and enjoyable as a result.

Cooks' notes:

·Cake, without glaze, can be chilled up to 2 days.
·Cake can be glazed 6 hours ahead and chilled, uncovered

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

9 Ways to Use a Jar of Nutella
Beyond simply eating it with a spoon.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

9 Ways to Use a Jar of Nutella