Yields 1 (12-inch) cake

This cake is so moist and flavorful, I simply dust it with powdered sugar. If you want to frost it, go with something light and not too sweet. A cre7:05 PM 8/1/2008me anglaise or vanilla ice cream goes nicely with it, too.

Meringues with Tropical Fruit

Butter at room temperature to prepare baking dishes

6 egg whites

2 cups superfine sugar

2 cups heavy cream, whipped

2 cups mixed fresh tropical

fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces

  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Butter pieces of parchment paper cut to line 2 baking sheets.
  2. Place the egg whites in a cold bowl. Beat until soft peaks form Add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff.
  3. 3. Using a pastry bag, pipe 3- to 4 -inch circles of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 90 to 120 minutes or until they are dry, taking care not to let the meringues turn color. If the meringues aren't dry after 2 hours of baking, turn the oven off and let the meringues sit in the oven overnight.
  5. Allow the meringues to cool completely. Fill a pastry bag with the whipped heavy cream. Pipe cream into the center of the meringues. Top with tropical fruit and serve.