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SUGAR & STILETTOS RECIPES
Nanci Christopher
July 12, 2010

RACINE’S CAKE (Paris)
From David Lebovitz’s
READY FOR DESSERT, MY BEST RECIPES

Ingredients:

Cocoa powder, for preparing the pan
10 ounces (280 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup (4 ounces/115 g) salted butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon freshly brewed espresso
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup (50 g) plus 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa nibs (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting the cake (optional)

PREHEAT the oven to 350F degrees (175C). BUTTER the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan, dust it with a bit of cocoa powder, and tap out any excess.

IN A LARGE HEATPROOF BOWL, combine the chocolate, butter and espresso. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

IN A STAND MIXER with the whip attachment, whisk together the egg yolks and the ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar on medium–high speed until the mixture is light and creamy, about 1 minute.

IN A CLEAN, DRY BOWL and with a clean whip attachment, whisk the egg whites on low speed until they begin to hold their shape. ADD the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar and whisk on high speed until the whites hold soft peaks.

FOLD the beaten egg yolks into t he melted chocolate mixture, then fold in half of t he whipped egg whites. Fold in the remaining whites, mixing just until there are no visible streaks of egg whites. Don’t overfold.

SCRAPE the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with cocoa nibs, if using, and bake until the cake feels as though it’s just barely set in the center, about 25 minutes. It shouldn’t feel too firm. Let cool completely.

RUN A KNIFE around the sides of the cake to help loosen it from the pan. Release the sides of the pan and dust the cake with powdered sugar, if using.

RACINE’S serves this cake with fresh whipped cream scented with orange flower water. It goes equally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a bit of bittersweet chocolate sauce.

The cake is best served the day it’s made, although it can be kept up to 2 days at room temperature.

***Though David Lebovitz says that the cocoa nibs (found rather easily in well stocked markets or by mail order) are optional I would strongly recommend using them. They add flavor and crunch and also a bit of flair that I really like. This cake is wonderfully delicious and a chocolate lover’s delight!

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