NOTE: To toast the chopped pecans, spread them evenly in a shallow baking pan. Bake the pecans at 350:F for 5 to 10 minutes or until they're browned, stirring the nuts once or twice during baking.
The pecan halves are more appetizing-looking when you put them on top of the chicken during the last ten minutes of baking; the nuts get a delicious-looking brown. I come back to this recipe when I want something that's never fail.
A touch of vanilla enhances the rich flavor from three types of chocolate in this cake: cocoa, bittersweet, and chips. Tangy buttermilk complements the chocolate and keeps the cake moist. For the best texture, bring all the ingredients to room temperature before mixing.