6 egg yolks 6 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder Powdered sugar

Brandied Cherries:

⅓ cup granulated sugar 4 teaspoon cornstarch 2 cup frozen unsweetened pitted tart red cherries 3 tablespoon brandy or cranberry juice 2 inches stick cinnamon

Cream Filling:

1 tablespoon cold water ½ teaspoon unflavored gelatin 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon brandy or cranberry juice

Chocolate Ganache:

½ cup whipping cream 1 cup chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (6 ounces)

Finishing Touches:

2 tablespoon chopped milk chocolate (1 ounce), melted Chocolate shards and/or shavings (optional)* Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (optional)