Name: Twelve-Layer Mocha Cake
Cook time: 2 hr
Total time: 4 1/2 hr (includes making buttercreams)
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large egg yolks at room temperature 30 minutes; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup sugar, divided; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large egg whites at room temperature 30 minutes; 6 ounces fine-quality 60%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1/4 cup water; 5 large eggs, separated, at room temperature 30 minutes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sugar, divided; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 2/3 cup hazelnuts (3 1/2 ounces); 3 large egg whites at room temperature 30 minutes; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon instant-espresso powder; Coffee and mocha buttercreams; Equipment: 3 (15-by 10-inch) 4-sided sheet pans (1/2 inch deep)

Image may contain Porcelain Art Pottery Saucer Furniture Food and Meal

Twelve-Layer Mocha CakeJohn Kernick

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with something fabulous? In this elegant European-style cake, thin layers of different flavors come together in each bite. Fine-textured spongecake, soaked in espresso syrup, plays off of crisp hazelnut meringue, while the coffee and mocha buttercreams intensify the richness of a collapsed chocolate soufflé. The faint, bitter edge of dark coffee essentially saves this dessert from itself.

Cooks' notes:

•Cake, soufflé, and meringue layers can be baked 1 day ahead of assembly and kept, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature.
•Assembled cake can be chilled up to 2 days.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.