Yesterday I decided to make the classic Reine de Saba chocolate torte/cake from Julia's French Chef cookbook. Why? Valentine's Day, of course! As an early valentine, I spent today giving away pieces of it to everyone I met - except for that little Coquette above. Endearing as her face is, I know chocolate can be fatal to dogs, so I gave her an extra biscuit.
I love Reine de Saba ! It's a dense, one layer chocolate and almond cake, easy to make, and simply delicious with a rich chocolate ganache icing with a hint of Grand Marnier. It's beautiful as it is, or served with fresh raspberries and even a small spoonful of whipped cream, if you want to jazz it up.
To make:
The cake:
You will need one 8" x 1 1/2" cake pan, buttered and floured
Preheat oven to 350F.
4 ounces German's Sweet chocolate bar, broken into pieces
1 T. Grand Marnier liqueur
1 T. cold water
If you prefer, you can use 2 T. dark rum instead of the Grand Marnier and water.
In a microwave safe bowl, place the chocolate, water, and Grand Marnier. Microwave two minutes, or until chocolate is melted. Stir well and set aside.
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs, separated
2/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
additional 2T. sugar for the whites
1/2 cup pluverized blanched almonds
1/2 t. vanilla
3/4 cup King Arthur flour, sifted twice
Whip egg whites in mixer bowl. When soft peaks form, slowly add the 2 T. sugar and whip until stiff. Scoop out into a bowl and set aside.
Using the same bowl, mix the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Add the pinch of salt.
Stir in the warm melted chocolate. ( If it's cooled, just quickly microwave to soften)
Stir in the almond meal, vanilla, and flour.
Using a stiff rubber spatula, fold 1/3 of the whites into the cake batter. Slowly continue to fold in the stiff egg whites until batter is smooth and whites are incorporated.
Turn into the prepared cake pan and smooth top.
Bake for 25 minutes and remove to cooling rack. Let cool ten minutes, then turn onto another cooling rack.
The Chocolate Icing:
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bits, or chocolate bar, broken up
3/4 cup light cream
2 T. sieved warm apricot jam
Heat 4 T. apricot preserves in small pan. Using a fine sieve, strain the jam into a small bowl.
Add the chocolate bits.
Bring the cream to a boil and pour over the jam and chocolate.
Stir until chocolate has melted.
Pour icing on cake and smooth, if necessary.
Enjoy - and Happy Valentine's Day!
Featured in TasteSpotting!
7 comments:
Happy Valentine's Day to you! This cake looks perfect for a Valentine's Day treat - you do know how to entice one, don't you? And who is the sweet little dog? Looks quite a bit like my own pupster - but then, I'm a fool for a dog!
(p.s. - winter came back. we had a little snow today, but not too bad. After all, it is only the middle of February.)
Hi Barb - Coquette belongs to my French friend and is a sweetheart. I am presently dogless, but hoping, as you remember, for a Golden soon. What kind of pup do you have? I somehow evolved from being a cat person to a dog person, though I do love my cat, Domino. She just doesn't smile like my pups did.
Glad you didn't get too much snow - and Happy Valentine's Day!
I have completely forgotten to say how grateful and happy I am with those folks who come by to check out the recipes on She's in the Kitchen - thank you for making my day so bright! I am so pleased you enjoy my recipes and photos!
Our computer pact is a deal (how can anyone lose when there's chocolate involved?), plus the benefit of improving my computer skills.
As for my dog, he is a Bichon Frise (12 yrs. old!) and is as cute as anything and I do love him (can you tell I'm a bit biased???)
I think Coquette is adorable and I do love Goldens, so I'm looking forward to reading that you have been fortunate to get one soon! Best of luck to you.
Hi Barb!
My strategy for better computer understanding lies with the hope my son will have some time to explain a few things, and install a disc for me. I probably shouldn't hold my breath, here, and scout around for a tutor. No classes around here.....
And I love Bichons! I know a sweet 2 year old one named Lily. I can see why you adore them!
I just made this cake myself. Glorious. But I do agree, it did need a touch of whipped cream and berries on the side.
Cheryl - as I recall, we served the Reine de Saba alone in the restaurant - and I seem to remember the inside was very moist. Maybe that makes a difference? Next time I make this, I'm going to slightly undercook and see if that consistency is better.
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