12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (use chips or cut block into small pieces)
8 oz. heavy cream
2 teaspoons flavoring or liqueur (optional)

Place the chocolate in a large metal or glass bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan just to the boiling point. Pour the cream over the chocolate, making sure that all of the chocolate is covered. Cover the bowl and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

Whisk the chocolate until dark and shiny, then cool to room temperature. To thicken, beat cooled icing with a hand mixer for a few minutes. It's best if used after 12 hours.

Yield: 2 cups, enough to fill and cover an 8-inch cake 3-inches high.