TWD: cherry-fudge brownie torte

When I looked at this recipe I thought ugh. It was one of those weeks when all I really wanted was a cookie. No fancy schmancy torte with cherries. I was also clean out of kirsch. I can't keep that stuff stocked in my house. Willa has a real problem when it comes to kirsch. Despite all my problems with this recipe the guilt (gut wrenching and torturous) I would feel for not making it beat out my ugh.

There was one upshot to making this recipe. When I told Pete how many servings a full recipe would make he decided a half recipe was necessary which prompted a trip to Williams-Sonoma for some cute baby springform pans.

Because Willa drank all the kirsch I substituted it with some red wine. Someone mentioned using it in the comment section and I thought that was perfect. I also am clean out of any sort of alcohol that would go good in baked goods. Who drank all the rum? Willa was that you? I'm thinking vodka and gin don't mix with baked goods.

This brownie had black pepper in it. Interesting. I could taste it but Pete couldn't. My half recipe filled two mini springform pans almost to the top. I made the mascarpone mousse with no changes. I adored the mousse. I could eat that mousse every day all day. I licked the spoon, the bowl, and my fingers. So good. I thought the brownie was okay. I don't like cherries so I tried to avoid the cherry bites. Pete liked it. He said it wasn't his favorite but it has slowly been disappearing.

Willa was too drunk to really enjoy this dessert. This is what happens when you drink all the kirsch in the house. Look at those glassy eyes. She could barely sit up straight in her chair.

Thanks to April of Short + Rose for picking this week's recipe. Check out her blog for her take on this dessert and the recipe. Also head over to Tuesdays with Dorie to see what the other bakers thought this week.