Preparation

Preheat Cuisinart® Exact Heat™ Convection Toaster Oven Broiler to 375°F on the Convection Bake or Bake setting with a rack in position A. Butter a 10x 3-inch round cake pan. Cut a circle of parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan; butter the parchment; dust entire pan with sugar. Clean the lip of the pan so no butter or sugar is on it. Reserve. In a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter. Keep warm; reserve. In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks and ¾ cup of sugar, using a Cuisinart® Hand Mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, until pale and thickened. Whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture. Reserve. Wash and dry the whisk attachment well and whip all the egg whites, water and salt until foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining sugar and whip to a medium-stiff peak, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir a very small amount of the meringue into the chocolate/yolk mixture. Gently fold ¾ of the meringue into the lightened chocolate/yolk mixture, using a large rubber spatula until the ingredients are incorporated. Sift in the flour and gently fold into mixture. Gently fold the remaining meringue. Pour into prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until cake has puffed and appears dry, but still soft to the touch. Turn cake out onto serving plate and remove pan and parchment. Top with whipped cream and strawberries, if desired. Serve immediately.