“A sensuous variation on the theme of bread and chocolate in a silky ganache-flavored, garlicky, Cuban-style mojo, smeared over slices of Cuban bread. Because the ingredients are so few and basic, it is important to use a not-too-bitter premium chocolate. I also like the effect of a mellow Spanish extra-virgin olive oil made with arbequina olives, with their slight accent of apple peel. Sea salt sprinkled on the bread right at the moment of serving brings out all the flavors.” - MP

Ingredients:
Mojo Ganache
9 ounces premium chocolate (preferably El Rey Bucare 58.8% cacao or Guittard Sur del Lago, 65% cacao), finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, ground to a fine paste with a mortar and pestle
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Coarse sea salt
To finish
1 loaf Cuban bread (about 10 ounces thinly sliced on the diagonal
Coarse sea salt

Method:

Put the chocolate in a double boiler or in a bowl over simmering water. When the chocolate is almost melted, remove from the heat and stir from the center outward with a rubber spatula until smooth.

Combine garlic and olive oil in a small skillet and heat through over low heat. Pour in a stream over the melted chocolate while stirring gently with a spatula, again from the center outward. Season with salt to taste. Add the lime juice and stir gently to blend smoothly. The mixture will thicken like mayonnaise. Keep at room temperature.

When you are ready to serve, warm the sauce over simmering water if it has become too stiff. Toast the bread on a grill or under the broiler on both sides. Arrange the toasted slices on a large platter or flat basket lined with a plantain leaf square. Accompany with the sauce in a bowl or cruet, the course salt served in a seashell, and a couple of decorative butter knives. Delicioso!

Stephanie’s Wine Recommendation: My wine recommendation depends on whether this is the only thing you’re eating, or if it’s part of a larger meal. My first thought is Red Zinfandel. A really extracted, fruit-driven red Zinfandel. If this is the only thing you’re having, go for the gusto and try a Zinfandel Port. Four Vines Winery has one that is superb. Bread, chocolate and Zin Port…what more do you need?