FLOURLESS BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
• Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper, butter the paper.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate and butter.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the chocolate and butter are melted.
• Gently whisk until smooth.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cognac.
• Let cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the sugar until well blended.
• Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
• In the 4 1/2-quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer, using the wire whip attachment, beat the egg whites at medium speed until frothy.
• Increase the speed to medium-high and beat the egg whites until soft peaks start to form.
• One tablespoon at a time, beat in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• Continue beating until the egg whites are stiff but not dry.
• Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture in 3 additions.
• Do not overmix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake until the cake is puffed and a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
• Using a small sharp knife, cut around the sides of the cake to loosen it.
• Release the panside.
• Invert the cake onto a wire rack.
• Peel off the parchment paper and cool the cake completely.
• Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
• Make the chocolate glaze.
• Place the chocolate in a medium bowl.
• In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle boil.
• Using a wire whisk, stir in the honey.
• Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let the mixture stand for 30 seconds to melt the chocolate.
• Whisk the mixture until smooth.
• Cover the surface of the glaze with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Assemble the cake.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap from the cake.
• Place the cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Using a metal spatula, spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
• Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, covering it completely; spread evenly with a metal spatula.
• Drizzle the top of the glazed cake with the melted milk chocolate.
• Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate.
• Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.