Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cups pastry or cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 10-1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into small chunks
- 12 tablespoons (6 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1-1/4 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1/3 cup whiskey or brandy, warmed slightly
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the BAKE setting. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set an 8 x 2-1/2-inch ring* on it. Wrap an 8-inch cardboard round with foil and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a double boiler or a metal bowl placed over simmering water, melt the chocolate. Keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, with the paddle of an electric mixer, cream the butter until light. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue to cream until fluffy. (It is very important that this mixture is light and fluffy).
5. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, the whiskey or brandy, and the vanilla. Stop the machine and scrape in the melted chocolate. Continue to mix until well combined. Remove the bowl from the machine and fold in half the flour mixture. Fold in the remaining flour.
6. With a clean whisk and bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to whisk until shiny and firm, but not stiff. Stir 1/4 of the whites into the batter to lighten, then fold in the remaining whites.
7. Set pressure valve to seal and lower sealing lever.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake ring and bake for 45 minutes. When time is up, carefully turn the pressure valve to vent and wait for steam to escape. Slowly raise the sealing lever and press the door release button. Remove and invert immediately onto the foil-covered cardboard round and run a sharp knife around the sides of the cake, loosening the cake from the ring. Do not remove the ring from the cake. Let cool completely on a rack. Then, carefully lift off the ring.
Presentation: Dust the cake with sifted powdered sugar and serve with Crème Fraîche Ice Cream or whipped cream.
*Rings can be purchased online or at a good baking supply shop.
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