Gateau Victoire
- 12 ounces (340 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) dark rum, Cognac, or port (ruby or tawny)
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (75 g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting the cake
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan.
- Wrap a large sheet of aluminum foil around the outside of the pan, making sure its absolutely watertight.
- Set the pan in a large roasting pan.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate, cream, and rum, Cognac, or port.
- Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the bowl from the heat.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and salt on medium speed until the mixture is thick and leaves a well-defined ribbon on the surface when you lift the beater, about 5 minutes.
- Fold one-third of the beaten eggs into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.
- Then, fold in the rest.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and pour very warm water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake until the cake feels just set in the center, about 45 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the water bath and let cool completely.
- Run a knife around the sides of the cake to help loosen it from the pan.
- Release the sides of the springform pan and dust the cake with powdered sugar.
- This cake is best the day its made, although it can be kept overnight at room temperature.
- A colorful cranberry, prune, and kumquat sauce is a lovely winter-season addition to serve alongside this cake during the holidays.
- Heat 2 cups (500 ml) of ruby or tawny port and 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar in a small saucepan.
- Add 12 pitted prunes, quartered, and 2/3 cup (75 g) dried cranberries to the pan and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Add 12 sliced and seeded kumquats and simmer for 1 minute more.
- Dental floss pulled taut between your fingers works best for getting neat slices of this delicate cake.
bittersweet, heavy cream, dark rum, eggs, sugar, salt, powdered sugar
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/gateau-victoire-379518 (may not work)