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1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch cake pan, line with parchment or waxed paper.
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2
Butter and flour paper.
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3
Combine flour and cocoa and sift 3 times.
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4
In a mixing bowl set over a pan of hot water combine eggs and sugar.
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5
Whisk until mixture registers 110 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
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6
Remove from heat and continue to whip egg mixture until extremely fluffy.
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7
Using a large spatula gently fold in sifted flour by thirds and finish by folding in melted butter.
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8
Pour into prepared pan and bake until firm, 25 to 30 minutes.
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9
Cool cake in pan 5 minutes, turn out on a rack and cool completely.
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10
Note: measurements are given by weight for greater accuracy.
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11
Cup measures are as follows: scant 1/2 cup sugar; 6 tablespoons cocoa; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1/2 stick butter.
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12
In a saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer boil sugar with 3 cups water to 120 c. or 240 degrees F. Meanwhile, in bowl of an electric mixer beat yolks until pale.
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13
With motor running pour in syrup and beat until mixture forms a ribbon.
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14
While mixture is still warm add butter, a piece at a time, then add chocolate, scraping down sides several times.
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15
Continue whipping until mixture cools.
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16
Yield: Enough Buttercream to Frost an 8-inch cake
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17
Combine syrup and Kirsch, to taste, for moistening cake.
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18
In a bowl set over a saucepan of hot but not boiling water, melt chocolate, stirring frequently.
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19
Set aside to cool and thicken to a pourable consistency.
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20
Fill a pastry bag fitted with smallest tip with chocolate.
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21
Pipe out neat small designs onto waxed paper; let solidify at room temperature.
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22
To assemble cake: slice fully-cooled cake in half horizontally.
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23
Using a pastry brush generously brush both layers with flavored syrup.
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24
Place bottom layer on a cake stand and spread with a nice even layer of buttercream.
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25
Cover with top layer.
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26
Using a palette knife spread a nice, even layer of buttercream on top of cake and then ice sides; try to make as smooth a surface as you can.
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27
Decorate top with chocolate designs.
