I made this Double Chocolate Bombe cake for wedding shower that was held at our Church. The food theme for the shower was cheesecakes, but I wanted to do something a little different to offer some variety. I will have to post some of the cheesecake recipes I scored that day in a later post. Anyway, the Bombe is a little complicated to make, but if you follow the instructions carefully you will be very pleased. The result was beautiful and delicious! I will make it again one day, but this is not your average make it in a moment kind of cake. When I get inspired and make it again, I will post some pics. Bon Appetit!

Double Chocolate Bombe
(from Southern Living)

1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
Chocolate Mousse
White Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Ganache
Garnish: chocolate curls

Process pecans in a food processor until ground; set aside.Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add vanilla, beating until blended. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Combine flour, soda, and pecans; add to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour into a well-greased and floured 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan, and cool on wire rack.

Line a 3-quart mixing bowl (8 1/2 inches across) with plastic wrap.

Cut cake lengthwise into 2-inch strips; line prepared bowl with cake strips, reserving remainder. Spread Chocolate Mousse over cake in bowl; cover and chill 1 hour.

Pour White Chocolate Mousse into bowl over chocolate layer; cover and chill 1 hour. Cover with remaining strips. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

Invert bombe onto a cake plate, and spread with ganache. Garnish, if desired.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Southern Living, DECEMBER 1997