|
As a
special touch to mark the new year, why not decorate the top of the cake (or
any round cake) like the face of a clock! Melt 1 square of semisweet
chocolate over low heat. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a writing tip.
Decorate cake, marking the numbers 12, three, six and nine. Happy New Year!
Enjoy in good health.
EASY FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE
Cake
8 tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter
(room temperature)
3/4 cup sugar
7 large eggs, separated
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
and cooled
Pinch salt
Finishing
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp. sugar
One 9-inch springform pan, buttered;
line bottom with a disk of parchment or wax paper.
1. Set rack at middle level of oven;
preheat to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light,
with a hand mixer at medium speed, or in a heavy-duty mixer using paddle
attachment, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add yolks one at a time, beating
until smooth after each addition. Beat in chocolate.
4. In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg
whites with salt until soft peaks form. Stir about a third of whites into
batter, then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold in remaining whites.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan;
smooth to make the top even. Bake about 40 minutes, until well risen and center
is firm and elastic to a fingertip.
6. Cool cake in pan for 5 minutes;
invert onto a rack to cool completely. Slide cake onto a platter.
7. To finish, place preserves in a
small pan and stir over low heat to melt. Pour preserves into center of cake.
Cool to room temperature.
8. Whip cream with sugar until soft
peaks form. Spread over top of cake, covering preserves, shortly before serving.
Serving: Cut into 10 or 12 wedges.
Serve with fresh fruit or berries on the side, if desired.
Storage: To make cake ahead, cool and double-wrap in
plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator several days or in freezer several months.
Bring cake to room temperature before finishing (can be done shortly before
serving). Pour preserves over; leave at room temperature. Whip cream and
refrigerate. Spread whipped cream on cake shortly before serving. |
