A Bittersweet Farewell: Cherished Memories in My East Nashville Cottage and a Decadent Crepe Cake

This is the final chapter I’ll pen from the cozy confines of my beloved East Nashville cottage. It’s more than just a house; it was my very first owned home, a sanctuary where countless memories were forged, dreams took root, and culinary adventures began. The decision to sell has stirred an incredibly complex blend of emotions within me – a potent cocktail of gratitude, nostalgia, and the undeniable tremor of stepping into the unknown. To mark this significant transition, I poured my heart into crafting a spectacular Chocolate Ganache Crepe Cake, inviting dear friends to share in a final, sweet goodbye and, thankfully, to help me devour the impressive creation before I succumbed to its entire deliciousness myself.

The Unconventional Beginning of My First Homeownership Journey

I purchased this house at the tender age of 24, a decision made almost entirely on a whim. With zero dollars for a down payment and just enough cash to cover the earnest money and acquire my very first “adult” furniture—a new couch—the initial steps into homeownership felt audacious. I even enlisted some kind-hearted gentlemen from my grandmother’s church to assist with the move, a testament to the community spirit that surrounded this pivotal moment. Nearly everything else, from additional furnishings to unexpected moving costs, ended up on a credit card, which I then diligently spent the next year paying off. (A crucial lesson for anyone reading: wise financial planning is key, and impulse credit card use is generally not recommended!).

Looking back, I wouldn’t necessarily label buying this house as the most prudent financial move I’ve ever made, especially considering the conventional wisdom. However, I can definitively say it proved to be an extraordinary investment, both financially and emotionally. It defied all the traditional advice, becoming a cornerstone of my early adulthood.

The driving force behind this seemingly impulsive purchase was far from frivolous: my two very large, very beloved dogs. The quest to find a reasonably priced rental property with a fenced backyard that welcomed big breeds in East Nashville was an exercise in futility. Giving up my furry companions was, of course, entirely out of the question. So, in a rather unconventional but determined move, I simply bought a house instead. It might have seemed unconventional to some, but it perfectly solved a significant dilemma. Everyone, from real estate agents to well-meaning friends, stressed the importance of putting down at least 10%, preferably 20%, of the purchase price. Yet, sometimes, ignoring life’s rigid rules can yield surprising and positive outcomes. (Again, a gentle reminder: this doesn’t apply to aimlessly accumulating credit card debt!)

Over the years, this humble cottage has been more than just four walls and a roof. It provided stability, comfort, and an ideal backdrop for my evolving life and burgeoning culinary passion. It became everything I needed and more, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. Leaving it instills a sense of trepidation, but at this juncture, there’s no turning back. And so, with a mix of wistfulness and anticipation, we journey forward toward new and exciting horizons.

Embracing a New Chapter: Dreams of Open Spaces and a Grand Garden

Given my deep affection for this house, one might wonder: why move at all? The reasons are multifaceted and have slowly, steadily solidified over time. Stephen and I have long discussed the desire for a change of pace, to move a few miles outside the bustling city center and embrace a life with a bit more seclusion and significantly more space. This small cottage, while charming and full of character, has become a little too snug for our expanding aspirations. We envision a property where our chickens can roam freely, enjoying ample space to scratch and peck, and where our dogs have expansive grounds to patrol, chasing squirrels and relishing their boundless energy.

My grandest dream, however, revolves around a garden – an exponentially larger garden, where the possibilities for cultivation are limitless. I yearn for the luxury of letting watermelon and pumpkin plants sprawl uninhibited, their vines stretching across vast patches of earth. I dream of sunflowers reaching magnificent heights of 12 feet, proudly towering over a vibrant tapestry of fresh produce. This move represents an opportunity to cultivate not just plants, but a lifestyle more deeply connected to nature and self-sufficiency, a truly exciting prospect.

But before fully immersing ourselves in this future, I commemorated my dear little East Nashville cottage with a magnificent Chocolate Ganache Crepe Cake, a fitting culinary ode to the place that shaped so much of my recent past.

The Culinary Homage: Crafting the Decadent Farewell Crepe Cake

My kitchen in this cottage has witnessed the creation of countless dishes, from simple weeknight meals to elaborate celebratory feasts. It felt only right that the final culinary endeavor here should be truly extravagant. The idea of making approximately 20 delicate crepes, preparing a rich chocolate ganache, and whipping up a cloud-like cream, then meticulously assembling them into an impressive layered cake, seemed like the perfect grand finale. It was a labor of love, a delicious manifestation of the affection I hold for this home and the memories made within its walls.

The foundation of this towering dessert began with a straightforward, classic crepe recipe, yielding light and airy pancakes. For the exquisite chocolate ganache, I combined good quality dark chocolate with warm heavy cream, allowing the chocolate to melt into a silky, glossy perfection. The whipped cream, a crucial component, was elevated with the addition of Bailey’s creamer, imparting a subtle, delightful Irish cream flavor. My initial plan was to use actual Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur, but alas, Sunday closures for liquor stores intervened, leading to a happy improvisation with the creamer that proved to be equally delicious.

The assembly was a meditative process, a rhythmic layering that built the cake’s impressive stature. Each delicate crepe was carefully placed, followed by an even, luscious layer of the homemade chocolate ganache. This rich, dark chocolate goodness provided a decadent counterpoint to the lightness of the crepes. Then, another crepe was added, followed by a generous spread of the fluffy, Bailey’s-infused whipped cream, adding a creamy, ethereal texture and a hint of sweet indulgence. The alternating layers created a beautiful visual effect and an incredible taste experience with every forkful.

This layering continued, crepe after crepe, ganache after whipped cream, until the entire cake was majestically assembled, reaching a satisfying height. The anticipation built with each completed layer, knowing the delectable treat that awaited us.

For the finishing touch, I adorned the top with a scattering of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. These gold-wrapped confections hold a special place in my heart, evoking warm memories of childhood indulgence. They added a final flourish of elegance and a delightful textural contrast to the soft layers below, making the cake not just a dessert, but a piece of edible art, imbued with personal sentiment.

Chocolate Ganache Crepe Cake: A Sweet Memory Recipe

This magnificent layered cake, while seemingly elaborate, is approachable to make and incredibly rewarding. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to create a truly memorable dessert. Below is the recipe for this indulgent treat, a sweet tribute to cherished beginnings and exciting new adventures.

Author: Brita Britnell

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 1 (This recipe yields a full cake, suitable for sharing generously)

Ingredients

For the Ganache:

• 6 ounces of dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup of Bailey’s creamer (or an additional ½ cup of heavy whipping cream for a non-alcoholic version)

For the Crepes:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 8 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 8 teaspoons of sugar

Instructions

Begin by preparing the ganache and whipped cream first, allowing them adequate time to chill and firm up while you make the crepes.

For the Ganache:

• Chop the dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place them in a heatproof large bowl.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to a gentle simmer. As soon as small bubbles appear around the edges, remove from heat.
• Pour the hot cream directly over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds to allow the chocolate to melt.
• Stir the mixture gently with a whisk or spatula, starting from the center and working outwards, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to cool and thicken for at least 30 minutes, or until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

For the Whipped Cream:

• Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or an electric hand mixer, combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and ½ cup of Bailey’s creamer (or extra whipping cream if preferred).
• Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, which can turn it grainy.
• Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and firm until ready to assemble.

For the Crepes:

• This recipe yields a substantial number of crepes, so it’s best to make them in two separate batches to ensure optimal blending and cooking.
• For the first batch: In a blender, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 4 teaspoons of sugar.
• Blend until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides of the blender if necessary.
• Heat a large, non-stick skillet (about 8-10 inches) over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
• Using a ½-cup measuring scoop, pour slightly less than ½ cup of the crepe batter into the hot pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan in a circular motion to evenly coat the entire bottom surface with a thin layer of batter. Work quickly before the batter sets.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes on the first side, or until the edges begin to crisp and the surface looks set. Carefully flip the crepe using a thin spatula and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute on the second side, until lightly golden.
• Transfer the cooked crepe to a wire rack or a plate to cool completely. Continue this process until all the batter from the first batch is used.
• Repeat the blending and cooking process for the second batch of crepes using the remaining ingredients. You should end up with approximately 20-24 crepes in total.

To Assemble the Cake:

• Choose a flat serving plate or a cake stand for assembly. Place your first cooled crepe squarely in the center.
• Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of the chilled chocolate ganache over the entire surface of the crepe, almost to the edges.
• Place a second crepe on top of the ganache layer. Then, spread a thin, even layer of the chilled Bailey’s whipped cream over this crepe.
• Continue alternating layers: crepe, ganache, crepe, whipped cream, until all the crepes are used. Aim for even layers to create a visually stunning cake.
• Once all crepes are layered, top the cake with a final layer of ganache, and then decoratively pipe or spread any remaining whipped cream around the top.
• For an extra touch of indulgence and elegance, adorn the top with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, fresh berries, or your favorite edible decorations.
• Chill the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
• ENJOY this truly magnificent and memorable dessert!

Tried this delightful Chocolate Ganache Crepe Cake recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Mention @foodwithfeeling or tag #foodwithfeeling on Instagram to share your masterpiece!

And so, to my lovely little house, I bid you a fond farewell. You will be missed dearly. Thank you for providing the warm and inspiring backdrop for so many of my first recipes, blog posts, and most importantly, for being a home filled with feeling.