HAZELNUT AND CHOCOLATE MERINGUE CAKE

HAZELNUT AND CHOCOLATE MERINGUE CAKE image

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups hazelnuts (7 ounces)
6 large egg whites, at room temperature
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips (6 ounces)
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Steps:

CONTRIBUTED BY DANIEL JASSO ACTIVE: 35 MIN TOTAL TIME: 4 HR PLUS OVERNIGHT CHILLING SERVINGS: 8 TO 10 SERVINGS MAKE-AHEAD STAFF-FAVORITE This extraordinary dessert, made with crisp chocolate-hazelnut meringue and whipped cream, is simple to make. But pastry chef Daniel Jasso of Portland, Oregon's Genoa restaurant has nicknamed it "the beast," because slicing it can be trickyâthe meringue tends to crumble. The solution: Freeze the cake, cut it with a serrated knife and let it return to room temperature before serving.