ALMOND DREAM CAKE ... MANDELDRON

Steps:

• Tip: To grind almonds use a little of the sugar in a processor with the nuts, as this will prevent the nuts from turning to butter.
• Cake:.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• Combine the flour and the almonds together.
• Beat egg yolks until very thick and pale pale yellow.
• Gradually add the sugar and beat until mixture forms a ribbon.
• Add the nuts and flour.
• Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
• Fold the beaten stiff whites into the yolk mixture.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake 45 minutes until just done.
• Use a tester at this point.
• Cool in pan.
• Filling:.
• Gently warm 3 tbsp of the cream in a small pot.
• Sprinkle the gelatin over and let stand until lukewarm but not set.
• Whip the remaining cream until soft peaks form.
• Add the warm gelatin mixture, and beat until stiff.
• Fold in the toasted finely chopped almonds, and Cognac.
• Split cooled cake in half.
• Spread half the filling over bottom; replace the top layer and cover all with the remaining cream mixture.
• Garnish with strawberries and shaved chocolate and extra whipped cream.