Flourless Chocolate Cake and Cookbook Giveaway!

My Day So Far: Laundry, packing, stocking up the iPod, hoping airport delays will clear up...

Naptime Goals: Make Flourless Chocolate Cake for early Valentine's Day celebration

Tonight's Meal: Take-out from our favorite restaurant, cake for dessert.

Parenting Lesson of the Day: There is no such thing as too many toys in the diaper bag when traveling!

We are celebrating Valentine's Day a little early this year because we will be in Florida during the actual holiday. This doesn't bother us in the least. Hallmark holidays are fun and all, but we don't take them too seriously. In fact, this year we are happy to pass up going out to dinner altogether since we plan to be taking in the ocean breezes from my in-law's porch in Venice, Florida.

There is one thing about Valentine's Day I refuse to give up, however, and that is chocolate. I'll happily forgo balloons, sugar candies and roses, but you'd better give me a rich, dense chocolate dessert or I will be one unhappy girl. For this year's meal we are ordering out from one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. Since we are traveling the following day I don't want to buy lots of ingredients that will go bad in the fridge. Instead, we agreed to order the main course and cap off our meal with a fabulous homemade dessert.

Obviously I am more than happy to be responsible for the cake production given my love of baking. Last year I made mini-bundt cakes and this year we'll enjoy a delicious Flourless Chocolate Cake from one of my new favorite cookbooks, Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations. You may remember, I hosted a virtual celebration to trumpet it's release back in October. Since then I've been cooking and baking my way through each chapter, loving the delicious results of each recipe.

I don't have a very well-stocked bar, so I had to wing it a bit when it came to the whiskey-soaked currants. I used Grand Marnier instead, which I quite enjoyed. I loved the boozy orange flavor it gave the cake and think I will do it again the next time I make it. Best of all, this cake is ideal to make-ahead. Since part of the process of making it is allowing it to cool in the fridge for at least 3 hours, I had no trouble making it during my daughter's naptime. It would also be great to make in the morning, or even the night before you want to eat it since it can chill for up to 24 hours without going bad.

As you can probably guess, I had about .5 seconds to take the photographs here before my husband dove right in for a bite. I guess that is to be expected with something this good. Happy Valentine's Day!

Since Valentine's Day puts me in the giving mood I am happy to give away a cookbook to one lucky winner. To enter please leave me a comment below by midnight EST on 2/22/10 and tell me your favorite Valentine's dessert!

Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake

adapted from Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations

1/2 lb. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 c. dried currants

1/2 c. Grand Marnier

1/2 lb. Bittersweet Chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped

6 large eggs

1 1/2 c. superfine sugar

1 t. potato starch, sifted

1 t. good quality vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Butter a 10-inch round cake pan, set aside.

2. In a small bowl place the currants, add the Grand Marnier and set aside.

3. In a heatproof bowl place the butter and chocolate. Microwave it in 20-second bursts for up to a minute, stirring after each to melt butter and chocolate together. Melting the chocolate can also be done over a double boiler.

4. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment beat the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy, about 4-5 minutes. Fold in sifted potato starch. Then, with a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate mixture, vanilla, the currants and remaining Grand Marnier from the bowl.

5. Pour batter into cake pan and bake for 40 minutes. The cake will be firm but a test will not be perfectly clean. 

6. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, the refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Naptime Notes:

Naptime Recipe Variations and Ideas: The original recipe calls for whiskey or brandy with currants or raisins. If you'd prefer either of those feel free to use them, I liked the orange flavor of Grand Marnier myself. I like to serve this with vanilla ice-cream or fresh whipped cream on the side.

Naptime Stopwatch: Preparing this batter takes about 20 minutes and is very easy. Then bake it, cool it, and dessert is ready.

Naptime Reviews: My daughter did not love the currants in the cake, but loved the rest of it. My husband adored the cake overall, it was a delicious holiday treat.

Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS: A Virtual Celebration

I am not a Park Avenue hostess, but now I know how to entertain like one with Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS (Rizzoli). Written by The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and edited by award-winning food writer and New York Times contributing columnist, Florence Fabricant, this book is a compilation of sensational recipes, entertaining ideas, seasonal menus, party-planning tips, and personal anecdotes from New York's most celebrated hostesses. Best of all, proceeds from the sale of each book will provide funding for The Society's patient care, research and education programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.


Today it is my pleasure to play the role of "virtual" Park Avenue hostess and celebrate the publication of this book with a Naptime Chef dinner party. Talented food writers and bloggers from around the world have joined me to provide a glimpse into it's pages by cooking and photographing a variety of recipes. I encourage you to visit their sites directly (names below are hyperlinked) to read and comment on their wonderful work in support of this important cause.

While I'm always up for hosting a dinner party, there are two special reasons why I am excited to host this particular event. First, in 2007 I was the Project Manager and recipe contributor to the original best-selling cookbook, Park Avenue Potluck (CELEBRATIONS is the sequel) and, secondly, cancer has affected family and friends in my life so I believe strongly in supporting any cause aimed at fighting the disease. Available on Amazon today, I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend. Heck, buy a whole bunch to give away as holiday gifts! Either way, each purchase will support the fight against cancer, and give you fantastic recipes and entertaining ideas for the holiday season. Now, time for a wonderful glimpse into the world of Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS!

Beverages
Pomegranate Mimosas by Melissa Morris of Melissa C. Morris:
"These delightful Pomegranate Mimosas give champagne a fun, fruity kick. I love the cocktail's ruby color; this festive red makes them the perfect drink to serve at a holiday party. The recipe is simple and easy to make and absolutely delicious to drink - cheers!"



Ebba's Swedish Apple Cider (non-alcoholic) by Stacie of ChowMama
"Whether your holiday parties are late-night, debaucherous affairs or kid- and preggy- friendly gatherings, one big batch of Ebba's Swedish Apple Cider Punch can be served with our without alcohol. Either way, this sophisticated, cozy, and tasty drink gives a warm holiday "buzz" that makes you want to CELEBRATE! And, of course, goes beautifully with cocktail party apps. What more can a hostess wants?!"




Ebba's Swedish Apple Cider (spiked!) by Jennifer of Unplanned Cooking
"Swedish Apple Cider Punch: delightfully tangy, rich and thick, Ebba's Swedish Apple Cider Punch warms up you and your home on a cool autumn night."




Appetizers
Bibb & Avocado Salad by Jennifer of Savor The Thyme
"This is a healthy and refreshing salad. I love all the green colors in it as it seems so hopeful and lively: just the way I feel about Cancer Research."




Cornmeal Batter Cakes by Ellise of Cowgirl Chef
"These Cornmeal Batter Cakes are fabulous! They come together in less than 15 minutes, and are so light and elegant - just perfect for a dinner party. They work well with savory toppings, such as my homemade chorizo and chipotle creme fraiche, or as a dessert or breakfast, with a spoonful of strawberry jam and a bit of whipping cream."

Bibb & Avocado Salad by Linda of One Scoop at a Time
"This salad is a perfect side to any meal or to enjoy on its own with a few crackers and a yogurt dipping sauce. Don't be fooled by its simplicity - it's packed with clean and fresh flavors that will liven up your meal."




Cornmeal Batter Cakes by Megan of A Sweet Spoonful
"This is a wonderful versatile recipe. My family is all out of town, so I actually made these as a small side dish for myself last night. With a bowl of homemade tomato soup, they were the perfect light meal. The corn cakes would also be a lovely accompaniment to smoked salmon or could be made as mini-appetizers with a variety of toppings. I liked them so much that I decided to whip up a batch this morning and serve them for breakfast with berries, butter and honey, and local jam."

Soups
Smooth Broccoli Soup by Rebecca of Chow and Chatter
"When The Naptime Chef asked me to join the potluck to help cancer patients, I couldn't say no. As a registered dietition who has often worked with patients going through cancer treatments I know the importance of tasty nutritious and calorie/protein dense food to get them through. This soup is rich in nutrients and calories, and easy to make, good for those days when it is hard to have a big meal it is a great thing to keep in the fridge for a quick meal or snack"

Butternut Squash Soup with Parmesan & Sage by Jen of My Kitchen Addiction
"This smooth and creamy soup is elegant enough for any dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight for dinner. In fact, I plan on adding it to my Thanksgiving menu this year! For a bit of a twist, try garnishing with crispy sage leaves fried in olive oil."

Main Course
Bobby's Crispy Chicken Cutlets by Patricia of PVE Design
"My kids devoured these. I prepared a plate, went to get my camera to take a photo and they were "all gone" when I came back! This is the second plate prepared, we loved the lemon juice squeezed on top - De-lish! You know, I am from Kentucky and we love chicken!!




Filet Mignon a la Creme by Shani of Camille Maurice
"It was the perfect combination of richness and simplicity... one of those recipes where the lack of fussiness makes for smoothness from the pan to the first bite."





Bobby's Crispy Chicken Cutlets by Sarah of Supper Starter
"Preparing Bobby's Crisp Chicken Cutlets reminds me of picnics in the park under sprawling shade trees. While the chicken would be perfect straight from the skillet, this Southern Girl prefers hers cold alongside coleslaw and sweet potato chips. Either way, you can't go wrong with these perfectly crunch yet surprisingly juicy chicken strips!"





Filet Mignon a la Creme by Natasha of 5 Star Foodie

"My contribution to the party is an entree, Filet Mignon a la Creme. I was fortunate to get two gorgeous grass-fed filet mignons that prepare with mushroom cream sauce, were wonderfully savory and delicious. We loved the earthy tones and the touch of spiciness of the sauce."

Side Dishes
Warm Mushroom Rolls by Molly of Tastebud Tart
"I added some cayenne to the original recipe. Like any good Southern Girl, I like a kick with my cocktail. I paired the Warm Mushroom Rolls with a nice, buttery Chardonnay. It went well with the earthy mushrooms, and enhanced the buttery rolls."






Green Beans that Cooked All Night by Kate of Savour Fare
"These green beans may not look pretty, but they make your house smell divine, and they taste how green beans SHOULD taste."





Warm Mushroom Rolls by Rachel of La Fuji Mama
"These little bite size rolls have a slightly crispy and toasted outside with a rich mushroom filling on the inside. The delicious flavorful filling will make both vegetarians and omnivores happy. The rolls can be made ahead and then reheated in the oven right before your party, leaving you free to get the house ready instead of stressing about making the appetizers!"


Green Beans that Cooked All Night by Cathy of Show Food Chef
"Green Beans are cooked slowly wit caramelized bacon, onions and a tangy sauce in this amazingly simple recipe. I highly recommend this for a no fuss dish with a lot of flavor."




Desserts
Mary's House Oatmeal Cookies by Dorie of Dorie Greenspan

"Soft, sweet, chewy and almost caramelish, it's easy to see why Mary chose these to be her 'house' cookies. Make them once and they might become your house cookies, too."

Praline Pumpkin Pie by Phoebe & Cara of Big Girls, Small Kitchen
" This is the ultimate fall pie - pumpkin on the bottom, pecan on the top. It satisfies the craving from creaminess and spiciness with the pumpkin and for caramel and nuttiness with the pecan praline topping. From our kitchen, albeit small, to yours, Cara and Phoebe, THE QUARTER-LIFE COOKS."

Mary's House Oatmeal Cookies by Tiffany of The Cookie Network
"These are, hands down, the best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies I've ever had the pleasure of tasting (And I've tasted a lot of them!)."








Praline Pumpkin Pie by Deeba of Passionate About Baking

"I am deeply honoured to be part of such a meaningful project, a cause that supports cancer research. This way my first ever pumpkin pie, everything from scratch, including the pumpkin puree, and was the best pie we've ever had!"