Le Francais Gâteau Au Chocolat

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 250u00b0F

2. 2

   Break the chocolate up into chunks and place it with the butter into the top of a double boiler. Melt and blend this mixture over simmering water.

3. 3

   Stir 1 1/4 cups of the sugar into the melted chocolate and continue heating until the sugar has been completely absorbed.

4. 4

   Best the egg yolks in a separate bowl and little by little beat the chocolate mixture into. Put back in double boiler and cook over simmering water until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and cool, then add the Grand Marnier and the vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Beat the egg whites into soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

6. 6

   Spoon 1/3 of the chocolate mixture over the egg whites and fold in carefully. Fold in the remaining chocolate mixture. Spoon into aa greased and floured 12 inch springform pan. Bake for at least 3 hours, or until done. Let the cake cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Transfer to a serving platter, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with boiled custard (creme anglaise).

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.