Chicken Fish Chanukah

Pesach Rosh Hashana Shabbat

Shavuot Sukkot Tu B'Shevat

Salad Sephardic Side Dishes

Soup Sweets Vegetarian

Chocolate-Brandy Dacquoise
Source: "Jewish Holiday Cakes," by Hana Shaulov
Serves: 6

Meringue:
3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar

Filling:
6-1/2 ounces butter
6 ounces chocolate chips
2 tbsp. brandy
2 ounces nuts, chopped
Chocolate syrup, to decorate

Make Meringue:
Beat the egg whites, gradually adding sugar, until stiff. Line the pan with wax paper and pour the beaten egg whites into the pan. Bake in an unpreheated oven at a very low heat (200°F) for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Remove from the oven, let cool a little and turn out. Remove the wax paper and cut the meringue lengthwise (I think that means through so you have a top and a bottom layer). If the meringue breaks, the pieces can be rejoined when assembling the cake.

Make Filling and Assembly:
Put 2 tbsp. of water, the butter, and the chocolate chips in a saucepan. Stir over a low flame until melted. Add brandy and nuts and stir gently, using a wooden spoon. Let cool, then add the egg yolks one at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Chill mixture, stirring every once in a while, until it thickens. Place one half of the meringue on a serving dish, spread with the filling, then cover with the other half. Decorate with chocolate syrup and chopped nuts. Place in the freezer to set. The cake is best prepared several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.