Step 1

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes.

Step 2

Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 or 9 inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3

Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4

Combine the chocolate and 1/2 cup of butter and melt (but do not over heat) in a double boiler. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Step 5

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Continue to boil over medium heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Step 7

Meanwhile beat together the egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla extract and salt to stiff peaks.

Step 8

Slowly pour in the sugar syrup in a thin stream, hitting the side of the bowl and not the beaters. Continue beating the frosting for 10-15 minutes until the meringue is completely cool.

Step 9

When completely cool, slowly begin to add the butter a few tablespoons at a time. Beat until smooth after each addition.

Step 10

Add the melted chocolate to the meringue mixture in about 4 additions and beat well after each addition.

Step 11

Continue beating until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. This may take 15 minutes or so and you may have to chill the frosting for several minutes before beating it again to get it to stiffen. Alternatively, you can place the frosting bowl in an ice bath while continuing to beat constantly until the icing stiffens sufficiently.

Step 12

Split the cake layers in half, horizontally, making 4 layers in total. Fill layers with frosting and spread over the entire cake. Garnish with chocolate ganache or chocolate curls if desired.

Step 13

It's best to add the drizzle when the frosting has been chilled on the cake for an hour or so.

Step 14

In a double boiler, combine and melt the chocolate and cream but be careful not to overheat it.

Step 15

Spoon the ganache into a Ziploc bag and snip off a corner with sharp scissors. Use the bag to drizzle the chocolate in continuous circular motions all over the surface of the cake.