Sunday, February 3, 2013

Theme Thursday: Chocolate



I'm keeping this simple and posting my favorite flourless chocolate cake recipe from "The Joy of Cooking".  This is idiot-proof and nobody who likes chocolate doesn't like this cake. It's so dense, so rich, so divine, you need only small slices for dinner guests.



FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE DECADENCE

(12-14 servings)  Joy of Cooking copyright 1997 by Simon & Shuster.  Authors:  Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker

To begin, have all ingredients at room temperature, between 68-70F.  Preheat oven to 325F.  Grease an 8/2 inch round pan with butter (not a springform) and line the bottom with wax paper or parchment.

Combine in a large heatproof bowl:
1 pound bittersweet or semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped
10 TB (1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter cut in 10 pieces
Set the bowl in a large skillet of barely simmering water.  Stir often until the chocolate & butter are warm, melted, smooth.  Remove from heat & whisk in:
5 large egg yolks
In another large bowl, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form:
5 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Gradually add, beating on high speed
1 Tbsp sugar
Beat until the peaks are stiff but not dry.  (Just keep checking the peaks).  Use a rubber spatula to fold one-quarter of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold into the remaining whites.  Scrape batter into the pan and spread evenly.  Set pan in a large shallow baking dish or roasting pan.  (I usually use a 13x9 cake pan.)  Set the baking dish in the oven and pour enough boiling water into it to reach halfway up the sides of the cake pan.  (Be careful when you do this).  Bake exactly 30 minutes; the top of the cake will have a thin crust and the interior will still be gooey.  It's okay.  Set the cake pan on a rack or counter top to cool.  Refrigerate until chilled or overnight.  To unmold, slide a thin kniffe around cake to detach from the pan.  Invert the cake and peel off paper liner.  Reinvert onto a serving platter.  If desired, use a doily or stencil on top of cake and sprinkle with
Powdered sugar.
Store in the refrigerator.  Remove 1 hour before serving.  Serve with
Whipped Cream or
Whipped cream and fresh raspberries
Cut slender slices, top with whipping cream or raspberries or both and enjoy.


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18 comments:

Brian Miller said...

whipped cream with fresh raspberries please....smiles...raspberries and chocolate...mmm...

California Girl said...

Brian, aren't you watching the Super Bowl?

anthonynorth said...

Looks tasty.

Mrsupole said...

It definitely sounds very rich and oh so good. One can never have too much chocolate. Now I am getting this urge to make a cake, a chocolate cake. I love chocolate.

I am going to have to try this cake. I just have one question. How many egg yolks do you put in there. I am thinking it is 5 since you use 5 egg whites but I am not sure.

Thanks for sharing this and definitely looking forward to trying this. Have a fantastic chocolate filled week.

God bless.

Tanna said...

Just in time to plan for Valentine's Day!! Sounds delish! Thank you, CG. blessings ~ tanna

Betsy Brock said...

oh, my mouth is watering! This is perfect...I think for Valentine's Day!

Amrit Sinha said...

I guess I need to try it :-)

California Girl said...

Anthony, "tasty" it is. Thanks for stopping by.

California Girl said...

Mrsupole: I am sorry! It is 5 yolks & 5 egg whites. I've amended the recipe in the post.

California Girl said...

Tanna, oh it will make a luscious V-Day cake. Get a heart shaped doily for the powdered sugar design.

P.S. Powdered sugar is optional. It just looks pretty. Whipping cream or vanilla ice cream really make it.

California Girl said...

Bets, it is a winner. I have never had it turn out poorly. I've made this for many years. It's a great company dessert.

California Girl said...

Green Speck, try it you'll like it! Thanks for stopping by.

Pat Tillett said...

Yum! That is a great theme for any day...

Leovi said...

That rich chocolate ...

Anonymous said...

Looks absolutely divine!

#1Nana said...

I just copied and printed. I'm going to try this for sure...because I just need the extra calories? Maybe not, but I'm still going to try it.

California Girl said...

#1: You won't be sorry!

ratatouille's archives said...

Hi! C.G...
Hmmm...I <3 Chocolate too!
C.G...Thanks, for sharing!
deedee :)