Chocolate Bao

Directions

1. 1
   For the bao starter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, sugar and yeast.
2. 2
   Let stand until puffed up and has bubbles on the surface, about 20 minutes.
3. 3
   For the chocolate sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the chips, butter and vanilla.
4. 4
   Place the bowl over a barely simmering saucepan of water and stir until the chocolate has melted.
5. 5
   Whisk in the cream until the mixture is smooth.
6. 6
   Set aside to cool to room temperature.
7. 7
   For the chocolate bao: In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, the cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and salt.
8. 8
   Add the flour mixture and oil to the starter and stir together while gradually adding 1/2 cup room temperature water.
9. 9
   Stop adding water once the dough has come together enough to knead by hand.
10. 10
    Dump the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and knead until you have a smooth, satiny dough, 3 to 4 minutes.
11. 11
    Return the dough to the bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
12. 12
    Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 3 hours.
13. 13
    Spray a stainless-steel steamer with vegetable oil cooking spray.
14. 14
    Use your hands to roll the dough into a long log, about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long.
15. 15
    Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
16. 16
    Place a few chocolate chips in the center of each dough piece and stretch the dough around the chips, pinching one end to form a ball.
17. 17
    Place the ball seam-side down onto a wax paper square.
18. 18
    Continue with the remaining pieces of dough.
19. 19
    Gently lower the bao in batches into a prepared steamer.
20. 20
    Steam for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and let cool under a kitchen towel.
21. 21
    Serve warm with chocolate sauce for dipping.