>From the Food Network website...
~~~~~
Zuccotto
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Show: Everyday Italian
Episode: Under the Tuscan Sun
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (12-ounce) loaf pound cake
1/4 cup brandy
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups chilled whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted, coarsely crumbled
Unsweetened cocoa powder
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Rhonda G in Missouri
Spray a 1 1/2-quart bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bowl with
plastic wrap. Cut the pound cake crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Cut each
slice diagonally in half, forming 2 triangles. Line the bottom and sides of the
prepared bowl with the cake triangles. Brush some of the brandy over the cake
triangles lining the bowl. Reserve the extra triangles.
Stir the chocolate in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water
until the chocolate melts. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly. Using an
electric mixer, beat 1 cup of cream in another large bowl until it is thick and
fluffy. Fold 1/4 of the whipped cream into the chocolate. Fold half of the
remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Fold in the remaining
whipped cream. Spread the chocolate cream over the cake, covering completely
and creating a well in the center. Cover and refrigerate if not assembling cake
right away.
In another clean large bowl, add the remaining 1 cup of cream and almond
extract. Using an electric mixer with clean beaters, beat on medium speed and
gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat until firm peaks form. Fold in the nuts.
Spoon the cream mixture into the center of the well of the filling.
Brush the remaining cake slices with brandy and arrange them, brandy side down,
over the cake, covering the filling completely and trimming to fit, if
necessary. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours
and up to 1 day.
Invert the cake onto a platter. Remove the bowl and the plastic wrap. Sift the
cocoa powder over and serve.
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