Panforte: Chocolate & Nut Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Melt the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring that the base of the bowl does not touch the water.
2. 2
   Use a fork to beat the egg whites in a large bowl for 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Add in the peel, ground almonds, the nuts, powdered sugar and Amaretto.
4. 4
   Mix well, then very gently fold in the melted chocolate.
5. 5
   Line a circular flan dish measuring about 7in across and 1in deep with plastic wrap.
6. 6
   Pour in the mixture and set aside for 2 hours.
7. 7
   To make the topping, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring that the base of the bowl does not touch the water.
8. 8
   Melt the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over a low heat.
9. 9
   Stir to check the sugar has melted, then add the chocolate to make a syrup.
10. 10
    Turn out the cake onto a plate and peel off the plastic wrap.
11. 11
    Use a spatula to cover the surface with the chocolate syrup.
12. 12
    Set aside for 1 hour until the chocolate has hardened.
13. 13
    Serve in slices dusted with powdered sugar.