FOOD NOW!

INGRIDIENTS

• 200g good quality dark chocolate , about 60% cocoa solids
• 200g butter , cut in pieces
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
• 85g self-raising flour
• 85g plain flour
• 1⁄4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 200g light muscovado sugar
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 25g cocoa powder
• 3 medium eggs
• 75ml buttermilk (5 tbsp)
• grated chocolate or curls, to decorate

FOR THE GANACHE

• 200g good-quality dark chocolate , as above
• 284ml carton double cream (pouring type)
• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F (Gas mark 4 or 180 deg C) and grease a 9 inch (23 cm) cake tin, lightly dust with flour.
2. Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it with the water in a double boiler (over hot water).
3. Separate egg whites and egg yolks. With an electric mixer whisk the eggs whites until forming stiff peaks, add gradually half of the sugar while mixing.
4. In a separate bowl whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar for one minute using the electric mixer. Add gradually the vegetable oil, one tablespoon at a time, whisk well between each time oil has been added. Add the melted chocolate and mix well. Transfer to the bowl containing the whisked egg whites.
5. Sift in the flour and baking powder, add vanilla extract. Fold everything carefully together using a spoon or a rubber spatula.
6. Transfer to the cake tin and bake at 350 degrees until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
7. Leave the cake to cool in the tin, it is recommended to place it into a refrigerator for at least one hour before slicing. When completely cold, remove the top of the cake, and slice the cake through the middle to make two layers.

Ingredients for Glace and Frosting

12 oz (350 g) apricot jam
2 tablespoons butter
7 oz (200 g) sweet or semisweet dark chocolate (37-50% cocoa)

1. Use half of the jam to sandwich the two layers together. Coat the tart thinly with the remainder of the jam. If possible, wrap the cake with plastic and put it into the refrigerator for 1-3 days before adding the chocolate icing.
2. Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it with butter in a double boiler (over hot water).
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, and spread it evenly over the tart.
4. Place the tart in the refrigerator to harden the frosting.

Variations

If you prefer a thicker apricot jam filling, add more jam between the two layers; you can also add some gelatin to the melted jam if you want a more jelly-like filling. You may also use your preferred chocolate frosting.

And THATS how you make chocolate cake!

Enjoy.