RFCJ RECIPE ARCHIVE
Posted by : Karen Selwyn Cake: Chocolate Espresso Torte - dairy
In the category of decadent chocolate cakes, this one wins the prize for sheer excess! However, this recipe has a clear virtue: it is extremely easy to prepare for the category of no-flour cakes. There are no egg whites to whip and incorporate; you don't have to worry that you've deflated your egg whites by folding too vigorously. The recipe produces a dessert which is somewhere between a pudding and a fudge. The original version calls for coffee ice cream or vanilla ice cream to be served on the side. Let me state the obvious and say, "It's not necessary!" Karen Selwyn * * * * * * * Chocolate Espresso Torte butter matzo cake meal 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot espresso coffee 12 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (not unsweetened) 4 ounces extra-bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 6 large eggs, room temperature 6 large egg yolks, room temperature powdered sugar Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degress. Generously butter an 8-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch sides. Line bottom with parchment or waxed paper. Butter paper and sprinkle with matzo cake meal. Melt 2 cups butter slowly in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add sugar and espresso and continue cooking over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Add both types of chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Remove chocolate mixture from heat. Whisk eggs and yolks in large bowl until frothy. Whisk into chocolate mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan. Pace pan on heavy baking sheet. Bake until edges puff and crack slightly, but center is not completely set, about 1 hour. Do not overbake; cake will set as it cools. Transfer to rack and cool. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Run small sharp knife around cake pan sides to loosen. Carefully release pan sides. Sift powered sugar over cake. To serve, cut into wedges wiping knife clean before each cut. Source: BON APPETIT, n.d.
