White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Directions

• Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, water, oil, raspberry syrup and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients; beat until well blended. Stir in chocolate and pecans.
• In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold into batter.
• Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 325° for 65-75 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. In a small saucepan, cook and stir jam over low heat until bubbly. Drizzle over cake. Cool.
• In a microwave, melt baking chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Garnish with chocolate curls and raspberries if desired.