Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole almonds, skinned, toasted
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate ( or Mexican)
1 oranges, zest of, finely grated
2 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
5 large eggs, separated, room temperature
6 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Line an 8″ square baking pan with parchment.
Finely grind the almonds, 6 ounces of the chocolate (reserve the rest of the chocolate for the glaze), the orange zest and 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon in the food processor.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of the sugar until pale yellow and thick.
Fold in the nut mixture; the batter will be very thick.
In another large bowl, beat the egg whites and the salt until frothy.
Gradually add the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until peaks form.
Fold half the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the other half.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, turn out onto a rack , peel off the parchment paper, and cool completely.
To make the glaze, heat the cream and butter over medium low heat until steam rises from the surface.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the remaining three ounces of chocolate and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated.
Cool for 15 minutes, or until the glaze is lukewarm.
Pour over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Servings: 9
Time preparation: 20 min.
Time total: 170 min.