Recipe - Blackout Cake - Part Two

Continuation of Part One

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the layers shrink from the sides of the
pans and the tops spring back when gently pressed with a fingertip. The
cake is dense and moist, so be careful not to overbake it. Cool the layers
on wire racks for 10 minutes, then carefully invert them onto the racks.
Turn right side up and let cool completely.

Make the pudding. Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small heavy
saucepan. Gradually add the milk, mixing thoroughly with a wire whisk. Add
the chocolate. Place over moderate heat and cook, stirring constantly,
until the mixture thickens and bubbles for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat
and stir in the vanilla. Pour into a small bowl and put plastic wrap or wax
paper directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Make the frosting. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler.
Remove it from the heat and cool slightly. In a medium bowl, beat the
butter, vanilla, and eggs until well mixed. The mixture will not blend
completely do not worry. Gradually beat in the sugar, about 2 Tbl at a
time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate. Chill
the frosting while assembling the rest of the cake, about 15 minutes.

Cut each cake layer in half horizontally, using a serrated knife. You now
have 4 layers, 3 for the cake assembly and 1 for the outside crumbs. Place
one of the layers in the food processor bowl and pulsechop to make crumbs;
set aside. (Or break it up with your hands.)

Sandwich the remaining 3 layers with the chocolate pudding filling,
assembling the cake on a cardboard circle or the bottom of a springform
pan, if possible. Frost the side and top of the cake with the chocolate
frosting. Working over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or wax
paper, hold the cake in the palm of your hand. With the other hand, gently
press the cake crumbs all over the top and sides of the cake, pressing them
to adhere. Pick up any crumbs that drop and press them back on.

From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini