All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.

– Helen Hayes

This is our last week of Cayenne and then we’ll be moving on to Bay Laurel so I thought I’d share a family favorite. This recipe was given to me by my sister and not only is it delicious but it’s gluten free and has just enough heat to make it interesting but not so much that kids won’t love it. 

v-day-cake

Because of the season, I like to cut out a snowflake to place on top while I dust it with powdered sugar but at other times of the year I adapt it for over holidays as well (hearts for Valentine’s day, tulips for spring, a spiraling sun for summer, leaves for autumn…). It is quick and easy to make as well.

Chipotle Flourless Cake
by Kim Anderson

7 tablespoons butter
10 oz semi or bitter sweet chocolate
1 cup demerara sugar
5 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon powdered chipotle
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of sea salt
powdered sugar

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a 9″ spring form pan. Coat the sides of the pan and the parchment paper with butter. Set aside.

Melt the butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring. When it has completely melted, set aside.

Mix together the sugar and eggs, on high speed in a mixer until smooth. When the chocolate mixture has cooled, slowly start drizzling it into the mixer until the entire mixture is combined.

Add the spices and stir to mix.

Pour into the pan and bake for 22 – 25 minutes until the center passes the clean toothpick test.

Set on a wire rack to cool. Release from the spring form pan, place on a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. If you want to create a beautiful design, place a paper template on the top of the cake and sprinkle lightly. Carefully remove the paper template (I use a wide spatula to help lift it off, this is also a great job for the kids to help with as extra hands makes it easier to move away from the cake).

Serve up as is, with freshly whipped cream, or homemade ice cream (vanilla, cinnamon or cayenne are perfect compliments). For extra deliciousness, enjoy with a hot mug of Spicy Cocoa!

Happy Holidays!