Chocolate Heaven!

There's nothing quite like a chocolate craving. It can be as intense as chocolate itself.

When I'm having a craving, this is my go to dessert.  Chocolate Chip Pound Cake is the ultimate in chocolate satisfaction.  A bit of mascapone cheese gives it a slight tang.  One recipe produces 2 loaves, perfect for instant gratification and freezing for the next craving!

I love to serve this along with fresh fruit for a well rounded snack for the kids.

5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup mascapone cheese at room temperature
2 1/4 cups of sugar *
1 cup of vegetable oil*
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

*This may seem like a lot of sugar and oil, but remember, you will get 2 larges loaves from one recipe.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.

In a small saucepan, combine the unsweetened chocolate and 1 cup water.  Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes.  Set aside to cool for 2 minutes, then whisk the mascapone until the mixture is smooth.

Beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl for 30 seconds.  Stir in the chocolate-mascapone mixture.  Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and chocolate chips in a medium bowl.  Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of each loaf come out clean.  Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.  (If you plan to freeze the cakes, wrap them well in aluminum foil once they are cool.)