CHOCOLATE CAKE DRESSED IN BERRIES

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CHOCOLATE CAKE DRESSED IN BERRIES

1/2 cup toasted almonds, finely chopped

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries  

1/4 cup strawberry preserves

2 tablespoons heavy cream

3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips  

 strawberries for garnish  

Combine the almonds and cocoa powder in a small bowl. Cream the

butter and sugars

in a bowl until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and the vanilla. Fold in the

almond mixture,

then the fresh strawberries. Spoon mixture into a greased 8-inch

springform pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until cake tests done.

Cool completely.

Remove from the pan. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Bring

cream to a boil in

a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Stir

until smooth; cool

for 5 minutes. Pour over top of cake (let drizzle down the sides).

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

yields 6 to 8 servings