Nearly Foolproof Ganache

I came across this in the newspaper and tried it, and it came out very smooth, rich, and delicious. I am putting it on here so I can save it with all of the recipes that I have found and saved on here :). What I did with it tonight was cool it to room temp, whip it with a mixer, then put some in between 2 chocolate chip cookies that I had just baked, and the result was awesome!

• Ready In: 12 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 14  ounces  semisweet chocolate or 14  ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• 3  tablespoons  espresso or 3  tablespoons  strong coffee or 3  tablespoons water
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar or 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar or 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar
• 3⁄4 cup heavy cream, preferably not ultrapasteurized
• 1  pinch coarse salt, more to taste

Directions

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine all ingredients and melt together over very low heat, stirring.
2. (Alternatively, combine in a bowl and microwave at low heat for 2 minutes. stir. continue cooking in 30 second blasts, stirring in-between).
3. Just before all the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and stir until chocolate melts and mixture comes together.
4. It may appear curdled, but keep stirring or whisk vigorously; it will smooth out.
5. If too thick to pour, whisk in hot water a tablespoon at a time.
6. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning.
7. NOTE: This mixture can be used in many ways. Serve it warm to hot as a sauce over ice cream. Warm, you can pour or pipe it over a cake, cupcakes, or cookies; it will set to a soft, rich glaze. Let it cool to room temperature and whip it in a mixer to make a fluffy frosting. Or chill it, then roll into balls and dust with cocoa powder to make truffles. Refrigerate leftovers in a jar; it will keep indefinitely.