Fabulous Finales

Martina shares her sweet treats guaranteed to delight all your family and friends this holiday season

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Flourless Chocolate Cake

This rich and decadent delight is Martina's go-to dinner-party dessert for a crowd

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + more for dusting

8 oz.bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup unsalted butter

1½ cups sugar

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)

6 large eggs

Confectioners' sugar, vanilla ice cream and/or sweetened whipped cream

Heat oven to 350°F. Butter bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Dust bottom and sides with a little cocoa, shaking to remove excess.

Combine bittersweet chocolate and butter in a large bowl. Microwave for 1 min. or until completely melted and smooth, stirring at 30-sec. intervals. (Alternatively, melt in small metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.) Let cool slightly.

Whisk in sugar and cinnamon, if using. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift remaining 1 cup cocoa over mixture and whisk until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30–35 min. or just until barely set. Transfer to a rack; let cool for 10 min. Run a knife around edges to loosen, then remove pan sides. Transfer to serving platter and let cool completely. If desired, dust top with confectioners' sugar or additional cocoa powder. Serve with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Tip: Try serving with Martina's Cinnamon Ice Cream: Let 1 qt. vanilla ice cream soften at room temp. for 10 min. Transfer to large bowl; gently stir in 1 Tbs. ground cinnamon until mixed but slightly marbled. Return to original container and freeze.

Servings: 10-12. Active time: 20 min. Total time: 2½ hrs.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecakes