The Dude Abides

A friend of mine had a Big Lebowski themed birthday party last year -- complete with bowling, white russians, bathrobes, a rug that tied the room together and this cake:

a delicious flourless chocolate torte with almond and orange essence. It didn't tie in too closely with the theme, aside from bowling-lane like cocoa stripe garnish, but I think the Dude would totally dig this rich chocolately treat. It's even dark enough that the nihilists might enjoy it too.

Ingredients:
8 oz bittersweet chocolate
8 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar plus 2 tbsp
6 large eggs separated
1/4 tsp salt
1.5 cups almond meal
3 drops orange oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly butter a 9" spring form and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Melt your chocolate in a double boiler or bain marie. Cream your butter, salt, orange oil, and 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add egg yolks and whip until very light and thick. Gently fold in your chocolate mixture -- be careful not to deflate your egg yolks too much. Air is the only leavening in this cake. In another bowl whisk egg whites and 2 tbsp sugar to form stiff peaks. Gently fold almond meal into your chocolate mixture. Now fold the egg whites into the rest. Bake immediately for 40 - 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack and remove the side of the pan. Decorate with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Make yourself a white russian (don't forget the cremora). Enjoy a slice of cake that really ties the day together.

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