Perfect for Gayle's Birthday--or Valentine's Day!

The simplicity of this recipe from singer Ingrid Michaelson (printed in the February 6, 2011, Parade magazine supplement to the Akron Beacon Journal) made it a no-brainer when deciding on a special cake to bake to celebrate Gayle's 34th birthday. And Ingrid was right: this cake looked ugly coming out of the oven but was positively YUMMY! I already have the ingredients to make another one...soon!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

✔ 7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (45-50% cocoa—I used Baker's [54%])
✔ 3/4 c. butter
✔ 1 c. sugar, divided
✔ 4 eggs, separated

Preheat oven to 300°F. Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler (or since I don't have one, I placed a small pot within a larger one half-filled with boiling water—it still worked). Stir together 1/2 cup sugar and 4 yolks; add to melted chocolate/butter.

With an electric mixer, beat the 4 egg whites; slowly add remaining 1/2 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold mixture into chocolate.

Pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs on it (don't expect it to come out clean). Cool for 30 minutes before trying to remove it from the pan (I didn't bother). Dust the top with powdered sugar.

Buon appetito!