Even when flour is forbidden, chocolate cake is not. This is a staple recipe to always have at the ready.

Method

• Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes

• Heat oven to 180°C.

• In a heavy saucepan, melt butter, 50g sugar and the chocolates over low heat, stirring constantly. Cool until the mixture is lukewarm.

• In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in pecans and chocolate mixture.

• In a small bowl and with clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Stir a small amount of whites into the chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining whites.

• Pour into a greased 23cm springform tin. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

• Carefully run a knife around the edge of the tin to loosen; remove sides of tin and cool completely. Garnish with strawberries and mint if desired.

Recipe adapted from: Jewish Food: The Ultimate Cookbook (Cider Mill Press Book Publishers LLC)