Flourless Chocolate Cake.

This is really a cross between a cake and a brownie.  It didn't last long sitting on the the kitchen counter.  First my husband came home and devoured about half of it, then the girls burst through the door and finished the rest of it off.  I never mind when that happens as I consider it a success.  I liked the grated orange zest,it gave it a little more interest and I loved that it was so easy and quick to make.

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Whipped Cream.

8 oz good quality dark chocolate

8 oz unsalted butter

6 large eggs

1 ¼ cups sugar

1 tablespoon sugar

Zest of an orange (optional)

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon best vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 350F

Grease a 9 inch springform pan.

Cut the butter and chocolate into pieces and place in a microwavable bowl.

Microwave until almost melted, be careful not to burn the chocolate.  Microwave for burst of 30 seconds at a time and then stir to thoroughly melt and combine.

Set aside.

Separate the eggs.

Whisk together the egg yolks and the 1 cup of the sugar until the mixture is light in color and thick in texture.  If you are using the orange zest, add this to the mixture.

Add the chocolate mixture to the eggs, combine thoroughly.

Whisk the egg whites and the rest of the sugar until stiff and shiny.

Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture – gently!

Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for approx 1 hour. 

The cake will rise and be firm on top but not fully cooked underneath.

Remove the cake from the oven and cool.  The cake will FLOP in the middle! This is supposed to happen, you will be left with a lovely brownie type consistency.  

To serve whip together the cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla extract and add a dollop on each piece.

chocolate, cake, dessertshttp://verygoodrecipes.com/desserts