'Diet Code' Recipe: Torte alla Cioccolata

April 3, 2005 — -- If you're a fan of Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code," and you want to lose weight, then you may be interested in "The Diet Code" by Stephen Lanzalotta.

Just as Brown's book discusses Da Vinci's Golden Ratio, Lanzalotta's does too -- and tells you how it can help you shed pounds. Lanzalotta, a baker who lives in Portland, Maine, applies mathematical principles to his cafe menu and shows you how to apply it to your daily eating for optimal health.

TORTE ALLA CIOCCOLATA

Chocolate Cakes

Serves 6

This lush, flourless rum chocolate indulgence is breathtakingly simple and elegant. Serve hot and molten with cold Italian cherry (amarena) preserves, a dusting of powdered sugar, shaved almonds, and a mint leaf for the ultimate rush.Cakes will keep three days to five days at room temperature; reheat in microwave for about 30 seconds to restore molten centers.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Fit a 6-cup "Texas-size" muffin mold with paper liners, then spray with food-release cooking spray.

Microwave 1½ minutes and set aside 8 ounces (1 1/3 cups) dark Italian chocolate chips (like Ghirardelli) and 1/3 cup light olive oil.

Beat until creamy:
3 eggs,
½ cup turbinado sugar,
2 tablespoons amber rum,
1 teaspoon instant coffee,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1 ounce (1/3 cup) unsweetened cocoa,
½ teaspoon baking powder,
1/8 teaspoon baking soda,
½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Beat in melted chocolate until smooth and glossy.

Portion evenly into muffin cups.

Bake (forno) 24 minutes to 25 minutes until fully puffed and cracking open (will fall slightly when cooling because of soft centers).