Ganache (; from the
French word for "
jowl") is a
glaze,
icing, sauce, or filling for
pastries made from
chocolate and
cream. Ganache is normally made by heating cream, then pouring it over chopped chocolate of any kind. The mixture is stirred or blended until smooth, with
liqueurs or
extracts added if desired. Butter is traditionally added to give the ganache a shiny appearance and smooth texture.