Best Chocolate Cake Ever!

This is the best chocolate cake ever! I know I said that in the title but it needs to be repeated. I don't make this cake very often and when you read the instructions you'll understand why. Once a year or so I gather up all the stuff and thrill my family.

The recipe came to me in a weird way. My husband brought a small cookbook called "Recipes From America's Favorite Resorts" It was given to him by a cigarette vendor but don't let that put you off. The recipe is from the Boca Raton Hotel & Club section of the cookbook.

Chocolate Cake with Grand Marnier

14 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
10 egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
powdered sugar
2 cups heavy cream, whipped

Melt chocolate and butter in top of double boiler over simmering water. Set aside to cool slightly.

Beat yolks and the 1 cup sugar until smooth; stir in vanilla, Grand Marnier and lemon juice. Blend in chocolate mixture.

Beat egg whites in large mixer bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1.2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Stir 1 cup of whites into chocolate mixture, then fold in remaining whites.

Pour batter into a 10-inch or 12-inch springform pan which has been greased and floured. Bake in a per-heated 250 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours. Cool completely on a rack before removing form.

Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar. Serve with whipped cream
For 10 to 12 people

Love,
M