Ganache belongs not just to the pages of gourmet magazines and ultra-complicated cookbooks. Home cooks can create the taste, too, and with fairly simple ingredients.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper baking cups.

2. Combine cake mix, buttermilk, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat using an electric mixer set to low speed until a smooth batter forms. Fill baking cups halfway.

3. Bake about 15 minutes or until tops are golden. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

4. Meanwhile, to make the ganache, bring whipping cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate without stirring.

5. Allow chocolate to melt into cream for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before using to frost cupcakes.