CHOCOLATE-GINGER ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Chocolate-Ginger Angel Food Cake image

Provided by Francois Payard

Yield Makes a 10-inch cake; serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

Parchment paper
1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 teaspoon ground ginger
9 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Glaze:
1 cup half-and-half
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup candied (crystallized) ginger, chopped

Steps:

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350°F. Line a 10-inch springform or Bundt pan with parchment paper. Sift confectioners' sugar, flour, cocoa and ground ginger in a bowl; set aside. Using a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed, whip egg whites, vanilla, cream of tartar and salt until whites begin to form soft peaks, 1 to 2 minutes. Increase speed to high, add 6 tablespoons granulated sugar and whip until incorporated. Add remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar in 2 increments and whip until whites hold stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Gently fold dry ingredients into egg mixture with a spatula. Pour batter into pan. Bake until cake springs back when touched, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Loosen edges with a knife; transfer to a serving platter. Chocolate glaze: Bring half-and-half to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add chocolate and confectioners' sugar; whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Pour glaze over top of cake, allowing it to drip down sides. Top with candied ginger. Store at room temperature in a cake saver for up to 3 days.