Ultimate Flourless Chocolate Cake

For Cake: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9- by 2 1/2-inch round springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.

In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process the chocolates, sugar and coffee for 15 to 20 seconds until finely ground. With the motor of the food processor running, pour the boiling water through the feed tube. Process for 10 to 15 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the work bowl.

Add the butter and process for about 5 seconds, or until incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla and process for about 5 seconds, just until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the edges of the cake are puffy and the center is just set. Cool the cake in the pan set on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until ready to serve.

For Raspberry Coulis: In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the berries are soft. Do not let the mixture boil.

Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl. Stir in the raspberry liqueur. Cover and refrigerate.

To Decorate Cake: Run a thin-bladed knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the sides of the springform pan. Remove the side of the springform pan. Invert the cake onto a serving plate. Peel off the paper. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the whipped cream.

In a chilled large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer set at medium speed, beat the cream with the sugar and vanilla just until stiff peaks begin to form.

Using an offset metal cake spatula, spread a thin even layer of whipped cream over the top of the chocolate cake. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip (such as Ateco #6) with the remaining whipped cream. Completely cover the top of the cake with whipped cream rosettes.

To serve, drizzle some of the raspberry coulis onto each dessert plate. With a sharp thin-bladed knife, slice the cake, wiping the blade clean between each slice. Place the slices on the dessert plates, and garnish with fresh raspberries if desired.