Name: Julia Child's Reine de Saba Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons dark rum (or brewed coffee); 1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch salt, separated; 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, separated; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 1/3 cup (1-1/4 ounces) almond meal or almond flour; 3 eggs, separate the yolks from the whites, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (2 ounces) cake flour, sifted; Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish; 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons dark rum (or brewed coffee); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

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Rich and utterly delicious, this classic cake by Julia Child will be a chocolate lover’s dream!

When it comes to the Queen of the kitchen, there is no doubt that Julia Child is that woman! She made her mark cooking and baking French cuisine and taught so many others to be bold, playful; to roll up their sleeves and to try new things. I can’t think of a better (celebrity) female role model than her! In celebration of what would have been Julia’s 107 birthday today, August 15th, I’m making her chocolate almond cake (Reine de Saba Cake) that was said to be one of the first French cakes that she ever ate. The Reine de Saba cake is dark and rich, sophisticated and it’s no wonder Julia fell in love with the French cuisine if this was indeed her first taste.

The cake itself is quite simple to make but there are simple keys to making it how the French do, or Julia herself. Separating the eggs and whipping your whites to stiff peaks – gently folding the whites into the batter to incorporate the lightness is just a simple technique that makes a big difference. Your quality of ingredients will be noticed, so use the best of the best when it comes to your chocolate, butter and rum!

I love how fearless she was and frankly a little silly! Her food, her vision and her words have been treasured throughout time and when I read her quotes I nod, I smile and laugh! Thank you Julia for inspiring confidence in women, for being you! Happy Birthday!

My Favourite Quotes from Julia Child:

If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.
A party without cake is just a meeting.
I think careful cooking is love, don’t you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who’s close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give.
The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.
The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.
The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.
You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.
Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.
In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.
I enjoy cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
Always remember: If you’re alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up. Who’s going to know?

Bon Fete Julia!