Seasonal Living Magazine - Winter 2022

FINDING MARVELOUS MOUNTAIN HOMES

WINTER IN VIENNA

Discover the magic and sparkle of this lovely city during the winter season.

CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE

A glamorous spin on two recipes for your holiday entertaining.

HAMMAM AT HOME

Warm up this winter and treat yourself to an immersive bathing experience.

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Chocolate and coffee. Few do it as well as the Viennese. Get our recipe for a creamy and decadent cocktail.

COCKTAIL CHIC

THE BEST IN SEASONAL LIVING FOOD. TRAVEL. DESIGN. WELLNESS. ENTERTAINING.

With the arrival of winter, 2022 is coming to a close. It was an interesting year filled with new adventures and reconnections that had, for a long period, been impossible. This return to normal, or new normal, has given many of us a renewed sense of hope for the future. I hope you are as excited as I am for what lies ahead.

Inspired by our travels this year and the quest to embrace the simple pleasures of life, we created our new JOY PERPETUAL COLLECTION. The collection, which features simple, elegant touches of gold, is our way of allowing you to inject a bit of sparkle and luxury into everyday spaces. Pieces of the collection, which will be available very soon, are shown on page 24 and were the inspiration for this issue.

Our travel section covers the twinkling city of Vienna. While it is beautiful year-round, this capital city really shines during the winter months with brilliant decorations, markets, and activities that last well beyond Christmas. The famed coffee houses, decadent desserts, and classical music were the inspiration for our recipes. We hope you will try them for your holiday entertaining. Both are based on coffee and chocolate with just enough "JOY" touch to make them unexpected pleasures.

During the winter months, when the temperatures tumble and daylight is scarce, self-care (maybe even indulgence) is even more important. For your personal JOY, we offer the story behind hammams and how to create your own Turkish bath experience at home. A few simple steps can provide health benefits and give your skin a healthy, holiday glow.

Our design section features two mountain homes. Kristin Dittmar, from Aspen CO, shares a modern dwelling with a focus on family. In Breckenridge, Collective Design has created a "rustic meets modern" home that embraces natural woods at every turn. We are pleased to show their projects here and hope you will draw inspiration from their work.

For this season we hope you will find JOY... in these pages, in your celebrations, and in the simple pleasures of day-to-day living.

Have a wonderful season and HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Gary Pettitt

In Aspen, designer Kristin Dittmar shares her recent project.

"THE COLOR OF SPRINGTIME IS IN THE FLOWERS: THE COLOR OF WINTER IS IN THE IMAGINATION ."

~ TERRI GUILLEMETS

. . .

MARKET MAGIC

Christkindlmarkt, the most popular and famous Christmas market in Vienna, is among many in the city during the holiday season. It takes up a vast space in front of the Rathaus city hall. The area around it, including the park is full of more holiday surprises.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CURRENCY: euros LANGUAGE: German (more than 70% of Austrians speak English) CALLING CODE: +43 (Austria) TIME ZONE: Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00) EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112

THIS PAGE ('V' INSET): The city comes to life with twinkly lights. Here, hundreds of strings of lights illuminate Kohlmarkt street. This street and nearby Graben make up one of the most famous districts in Vienna, where you will find many restaurants, boutiques, and luxury brands. THIS PAGE (RIGHT): The markets at the Belvedere Museum are more calm than many of the other markets. The stately backdrop and golden glow of the lights make it a popular place for more romantic strolls. Additionally, the museum is open for exhibits through December 26.

As the capital of Austria and second largest city (behind Berlin) in the German-speaking area, Vienna is a thriving city of nearly 3 million people. The city is steeped in history, culture, art, and music. Because the picturesque city was spared much of the destruction of World War II, many of the monuments, landmarks, and palaces still stand after centuries. Often referred to as the City of Music, Vienna was once the home of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Wander through its charming European streets to discover architecture, hundreds of parks, and street art. Shop in the many luxury stores, unique boutiques, or markets. If you are a coffee lover, you are in luck. Vienna has a robust coffee culture with over 100 iconic coffeehouses.

While the city is a must-see anytime of the year, visiting during the winter months is especially magical. The city sparkles as if it has been sprinkled with gold fairy dust. The squares, streets, and parks come alive with holiday spirit that lasts well into January. The winter magic continues from the New Year, which kicks off the Carnival Season, right through to Mardi Gras.

travel quicklist

Of course, visiting during the holiday season provides a feast for the eyes, but Vienna is more than that. Here's a bit more for your stay in this elegant European city.

EAT

DAS SCHICK - (panoramic view) Parkring 12, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 514 80 417

VERANDA - (modern cuisine) Burggasse 2, 1070 Vienna t: 43 1 522 252 0194

TIAN - (vegetarian) Himmelpfortgasse 23, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 89 04 665

SEE

WIENER STAATSOPER - (opera/ballet) Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 514 442 250

BURGTHEATER - (live performance) Universitätsring 2, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 514 444 545

STAY

25HOURS HOTEL - (cool) Lerchenfelder Str. 1/3, 1070 Vienna t: 43 1 52 15 10

HOTEL SACHER - (iconic) Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 51 45 60

PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI - (elegant) Schottenring 24, 1010 Vienna t: 43 1 23 61 000

SEASONAL EVENTS

CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Christkindlmarkt, Belvedere, Schönbrunn, Altes Akh, Stephansplatz, Am Hof, Freyung, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Karlsplatz, Spittelberg, and Michaelerplatz are among the most popular.

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION: The Silvesterpfad is back this year. This city wide party begins around 2pm with concerts, food, and dancing throughout the streets of the city. It culminates with a fireworks show at midnight to bring in the New Year.

CARNIVAL SEASON: Fasching, the celebrated carnival season, begins on January 1 and lasts through Mardi Gras. Enjoy ice skating, festivals with food and music, and several balls, ending with the Opera Ball, the grandest of them all. It occurs the last Thursday before Mardi Gras.

CULTURAL HISTORY

FACING PAGE (TOP LEFT): Graben street is luminous during the holiday season. In this

district you will find restaurants, boutiques, instagrammable spots, and world-class shopping. THIS PAGE (TOP TO BOTTOM): The numerous Christmas markets of Vienna are filled with handcrafted goods. The focus is on craftsmanship and not kitsch. The monument to Johann Strauss sits proudly in Stadtpark. The gilding of his form and name sets him apart from the rest and confirms his importance to the city.

historic

THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): There is no shortage of schnitzel in Vienna. The traditional dish is made with many types of meat (and even vegetarian versions) and is generally served with potatoes or spätzle. The St. Charles Church, where Antonio Vivaldi was buried, is one of the most sacred buildings in Europe. Here you can see the glorious architecture, but also many concerts. The Riesenrad towers over the city and remains an iconic symbol. Until 1985, it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel. Travel through the city in one of the traditional "fiakers". Through the winter the emblematic carriages are pulled by horses wearing iconic ear warmers.

Sam Henderson

food

LAYERS OF GOODNESS WITH A TOUCH OF GOLD.

COVER STORY

SPEAKING OF VIENNA

Three things you are sure to find in Vienna are coffee, pastries, and opera. We drew our inspiration from that to bring you the classic opera cake. This magical combination of flavor and texture is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. It takes a bit of time to complete, but most of the recipe can be tackled a day in advance.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

MIDAS TOUCH

GET READY FOR SOME HOLIDAY BAKING. THIS CAKE IS PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. IT TAKES SOME TIME, BUT NONE OF THE STEPS ARE COMPLICATED AND THE RESULT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT. YOUR GUESTS WILL AGREE.

OPERA CAKE

serves 8-10

THE INGREDIENTS

For the sponge cake: 5 ounces almond flour 5 ounces confectioners sugar

• 5 large eggs, at room temperature

• ¼ cup all purpose flour 5 egg whites ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For the coffee syrup:

• ¾ cup strong coffee ½ cup sugar

For the chocolate base: 3 ounces semisweet chocolate

• 1 cup crumbled waffle ice cream cones

For the chocolate ganache:

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate

• ⅔ cup heavy cream

For the coffee cream: ¾ cup sugar 3 tablespoons water 5 egg yolks, at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons espresso powder 1¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the glaze: 7 ounces semisweet chocolate 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

THE INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the sponge cake:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Cut parchment paper to line three 8x8 or 9x9 baking pans. If you only have one square baking pan, the cakes can be baked one after the other. Line the baking pan(s) and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and confectioners sugar. Add the whole eggs and beat on medium speed until light and creamy. Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.

Sam Henderson

COCKTAIL CHIC

INSPIRED BY THE ROBUST COFFEE CULTURE OF VIENNA, OUR VIENNESE COFFEE COCKTAIL IS IDEAL FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING. THIS DESSERT COCKTAIL CAPTURES THE BEST OF A VIENNESE COFFEE... CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, AND A HEARTY SHOT OF CREAM.

VIENNESE COFFEE COCKTAIL

The ingredients:

• 1½ ounces vodka

1 ounce espresso or very strong coffee

1 ounce chocolate liqueur

1 ounce coffee liqueur

• 1 ounce heavy cream

• ice for shaking cocoa powder and coffee beans for garnish

The instructions:

1. Prepare the espresso and let it cool slightly.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the espresso, chocolate and coffee liqueur, and cream to the shaker.

3. Shake vigorously until the shaker is jet cold (about 15 seconds). Strain the contents into a coupe glass, pouring through a second small, fine mesh strainer.

4. Place a card or piece of paper over ⅔ of the glass and lightly sprinkle cocoa powder over the remaining visible top of the cocktail. NOTE: another mesh strainer works great for this.

5. Add coffee beans and serve. For a more festive look, dust the beans with edible gold powder before making the drinks.

VIENNESE COFFEE COCKTAIL makes 1 cocktail

COVER STORY

ENTERTAINING

atouch of gold makes itsimplysubl ime

Sam Henderson

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

AROUND THE WORLD NEW YEAR'S EVE IS CELEBRATED IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS WITH UNIQUE TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS. HERE WE SHOW SEVERAL OF THEM AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU CAN WORK THE TRADITIONS INTO YOUR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

FRANCE - The French, of course, welcome the New Year with champagne, sparkling wine, or vin chaud (warm wine). Consider offering warm wine before the big moment and a coupe of champagne just before the countdown.

MEXICO - Tamales or Bacalao are often part of the meal. In some parts of the country buckets of water are tossed out the window to signify "out with the old, in with the new". Providing a tiny galvanized bucket with water for each guest could be a fun way to pull this off.

IRELAND - Banging the walls with bread is an old Irish tradition to rid the house of bad luck and ensure plenty of food for the coming year. A basket of demi-baguettes is all you need to get your guests involved... and a small vacuum for the crumbs.

BRAZIL - If you live near the beach, you're in luck. Many Brazilians head to the beach and jump 7 waves to ensure luck for the New Year. For those inland, jumping off of chairs simultaneously at midnight does the trick. Another Brazilian NYE tradition... wearing white.

COLOMBIA - wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve is thought to bring love and happiness. Consider decor in gold and white. As a fun activity, carrying an empty suitcase around the block ensures a year of travel and adventure. Get a vintage suitcase to share among guests.

SPAIN - eating 12 grapes at midnight has long been the tradition. Many eat one grape and make a wish for each stroke of the bell. Prepare the grapes in advance on picks or in small bowls for your guests so everyone is prepared for the big moment.

ITALY - to bring luck for the New Year, seven dried fruits and nuts are eaten: almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, dates, raisins and dried figs. Assemble small snack cups for each guest with a bit of each and serve along with small bite appetizers.

GREECE - smashing pomegranates at midnight is one way the Greeks celebrate the New Year. The amount of seeds that spills out determines the amount of luck in the coming year... the more, the better. This sounds like fun, but it might be best done outdoors.

DENMARK - the Kransekage, a towering, cone-shaped cake of many layers (often 18 or more) is pulled apart and eaten at midnight. It is traditionally served with champagne.

TAKE AWAYS

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate some traditions in your New Year's Eve celebration.

• have plenty of champagne of hand.

• use white as the basis of your decor with subtle touches of gold.

• use natural elements in your decor such as clusters of grapes, nuts, and pomegranates.

• if part of your festivities will occur outdoors, prepare warm wine in a slow cooker.

• prepare a tower of cupcakes or other individual desserts that can be pulled apart at midnight as a group activity.

BATHING BENEFITS

WINTER IS A WONDERFUL TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF TO A RELAXING BATH. THE HAMMAM (TURKISH HAMAM, TURKISH BATH) IS A UNIQUE, MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE. IF THERE ISN'T A HAMMAM IN YOUR AREA, SEE OUR GUIDE TO RE-CREATE THE EXPERIENCE AT HOME. WE'LL CALL IT A "HOME-MAM".

HAMMAM - THE PRACTICE AND HEALTH BENEFITS

THE ORIGINS

Bathhouses date back thousands of years. The "Great Bath" was discovered in Pakistan at the beginning of the 20th century and is believed to be a bathing site and temple. After the Romans adopted public bathing as part of their culture around 300 B.C., the idea became much more widespread. The hammam came from the Turkish Ottomans who blended bathing practices to create their own version. While originally only available to men, the rules around hammams relaxed over time to include women and people of all classes. Though hammams are not as common as before, they still exist in many places and many seek their therapeutic benefits by visiting spas or simulating the experience at home.

THE NECESSITIES

While the architecture and decoration of a hammam are often the focus, the objects are equally interesting and play an important part of the ritual. Although there are some variations by region, the most common objects are: peştemal: a thin cloth used to cover the body

• scraper: a tool used to scrape away dead skin

• havli: a towel for drying the body

• nalin: wooden slippers, once ornately decorated, to move from space to space

THE EXPERIENCE

A hammam will usually consist of three connected spaces. The camekan is the entry area where you will change out of your clothing and into a peştemal. Your next stop is the hararet. This space is hot and dimly lit. You will lie on a göbek taşı ( raised marble platform) to be washed with an olive-oil based soap. A second scrubbing occurs just after with scraping away of dead skin after each. Lastly, you will head to the soğukluk. In this cool room you will dry, rehydrate, and relax while lying down.

THE BENEFITS

While originally intended for hygiene and religious rituals, these practices have gained recent popularity for their therapeutic benefits. The benefits, believed to be mental, spiritual, and physical can include: stress relief, detoxification, hydration, muscle pain relief, improved immune system, and a mind/body spiritual connection.

Hammams are still quite popular in Middle Eastern countries and throughout many European countries. In the US it will be more difficult to find a true hammam experience outside of a major city. However, if you want to re-create the experience at home, follow our handy guide on the following page.

HOW TO RECREATE A TURKISH BATH AT HOME

STEP 1 STEP 2

Create a relaxing atmosphere to calm your mind with dim lights and soft music to set the mood.

Immerse yourself in steam by running a hot shower for 15 minutes with the bathroom door closed.

STEP 3

To further soften the skin, lie on a heated surface for 15 minutes or remain in the steam a bit longer.

STEP 5

Create a sudsy mixture of lukewarm water and olive-oil based soap and slowly pour it over your body.

STEP 7

Dry yourself with a warm towel and apply naturally fragrant moisturizer such as rose or lavender.

STEP 4

Use a kese mitt or exfoliating glove to scrub yourself thoroughly, applying moderate pressure.

STEP 6

Rinse off the soap mixture completely in the shower using the coolest water you can handle.

STEP 8

Rehydrate with a glass of water. Find a comfortable place to lie down and relax your mind for at least 15 minutes.

A COZY SPOT

Aspen designer, KRISTIN DITTMAR, layers natural elements with comfy textural fabrics to create an inviting bedroom space in this mountain home.

COOL COOL COOL COMFORT

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT

This lovely dining area on the lower level is brought to life by windows, thoughtful lighting, and a beautiful reflective ceiling finish.

DESIGNER: Kristin Dittmar

SITE: kristindittmardesign.com

LOCATION: Aspen, Colorado

02

TAKE A SEAT

Natural textures prevail in this modern mountain home, from stone walls to natural wood columns to clever accessory pieces.

03

COZY AND CLASSY

This luxurious bath is beautifully finished and includes a two-sided fireplace to take the chill off of the cool mountain air.

02 RECENTLY, KRISTIN HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE A PROJECT FOR A FAMILY SHE HAS KNOWN MOST OF HER LIFE. WITH FULL CREATIVE FREEDOM, KRISTIN SET OUT TO COMPLETE THE WISH LIST, WHICH INCLUDED PLENTY OF LIGHT, LOTS OF TEXTURE, AND CREATING A LOWER LEVEL AREA THAT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE BELOW GRADE. WITH AS MUCH LOCALLY SOURCED NATURAL MATERIALS AS POSSIBLE AND CLEVER LIGHTING, SHE WAS ABLE TO DELIVER A MODERN AND COZY HOME. WHEN ASKED HOW SHE FELT ABOUT THE PROJECT OVERALL, KRISTIN RESPONDED," THIS IS MY FAVORITE PROJECT TO DATE AND IT’S A HOME THAT I WOULD PERSONALLY LIVE IN... FROM THE STONES TO THE WOODS TO THE TEXTURES AND THE PLASTER WALLS TO THE CUSTOM LIGHTING. I THINK THE ENTIRE PROJECT TURNED OUT BEAUTIFULLY."

ATIVE ASPEN, COLORADO DESIGNER, KRISTIN DITTMAR, HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CREATIVE NATURE LOVER. HER BUSINESS, WHICH LAUNCHED IN 2008, SPECIALIZES IN MODERN MOUNTAIN HOMES. HER FORWARD DESIGN AESTHETIC AND USE OF FINE, NATURAL MATERIALS HAVE RESULTED IN PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND POSITIONED HER AS A DESIGN LEADER IN THE ASPEN AREA.

WINDOWS, OPEN SPACES, GLASS, AND CLEVER LIGHTING SOLUTIONS MAKE THE LOWER LEVEL BRIGHT AND SUNNY.

THE RIGHT MIX OF TEXTURES... STONE, WOOD, METALLICS, AND FABRICS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

WE BELIEVE A SPACE SHOULD BE LIVING, COMFORTABLE, AND OF COURSE, BEAUTIFUL.

STYLE FILE

A DIFFERENT ANGLE - geometric shapes are a great way to add interest and dimension to a space. Grouped together they can be a conversation starter or the center of a conversation area. See our GEO stool / accent table for more inspiration.

~KRISTIN DITTMAR

LIGHT, DELICATE TOUCHES OF GOLD. THE SUBTLE BANDS BRING OUT THE NATURAL COLOR OF THE FLECKS OF SLATE IN THE GRAY AND THE GLINTS OF APRICOT AND NUTMEG IN THE WHITE. EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF TWO MATERIALS COMING TOGETHER TO CREATE SOMETHING EVEN MORE WONDERFUL THAN THE SUM OF THEIR PARTS.

MOUNTAIN

NATURAL WONDER

COLLECTIVE DESIGN and PINNACLE

MOUNTAIN HOMES combine a variety of woods with raw metal accents and subtle glints of gold for a mountain showstopper.

MOUNTAIN MAGIC

GRAND ENTRANCE

A custom steel and walnut door open to a large foyer and a built-in walnut bench with a live edge. The walls and floors are clad in stone and a variety of wood finishes.

Kimberly Gavin Photography

N BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO, AN ALABAMA COUPLE DECIDED TO BUILD A RUSTIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT. WITH A VERY GOOD SENSE OF WHAT THEY WANTED, THEY ENGAGED COLLECTIVE DESIGN BASED IN FRISCO, COLORADO. ONE OF THE DESIGNERS FOR THE PROJECT, NICOLE BRUNO, TEAMED UP WITH THE GROUP'S SISTER COMPANY, PINNACLE MOUNTAIN HOMES, TO CREATE A 6500 SQUARE FOOT HOME FEATURING HIS-AND-HER SUITES, FOUR GUEST ROOMS, AND A KIDS' BUNK ROOM. SEEING THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE THEM, COLLECTIVE DESIGN CREATED A HOME THAT EMBRACES RECLAIMED WOOD,

PUZZLE PIECES

Squares of wood are individually cut and stained to create a unique, custom wall covering in one of the many bedrooms.

Kimberly Gavin Photography

STARTING AT THE ENTRANCE, THE FRONT DOOR IS A CUSTOM-BUILT, EIGHT-FOOT DOOR IN WALNUT AND STEEL. RECLAIMED WOOD AND STEEL ARE PRESENT THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE HOME. THE FEEL IS RUSTIC BUT THROUGH A MODERN LENS... AND PERFECTLY SUITED FOR A MOUNTAIN RETREAT. MANY OF THE ITEMS IN THE DESIGN WERE CUSTOM MADE FOR THE COUPLE, INCLUDING THE SUBDUED BUT SPECTACULAR LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE DINING AREA. THE COUPLE WANTED THE FIXTURE TO FEEL LIKE LOOKING AT THE CONSTELLATIONS. THE DESIGN TEAM CAME UP WITH A CLEVER FIXTURE IN STEEL THAT IS PERFORATED WITH SMALL HOLES AND LIT FROM ABOVE. THE RESULT IS LIKE HAVING DINNER UNDER THE OPEN MOUNTAIN SKY. THERE ARE DELIGHTFUL SURPRISES AND CUSTOM TOUCHES THROUGHOUT THE HOME. ON THE LOWER LEVEL, A BILLIARDS ROOM FEATURES A WET BAR WITH A COUNTER MADE OF RECLAIMED WOOD FROM AN OLD TRAILER BED. EACH ROOM HAS A UNIQUE DESIGN, BUT THE TEAM AT COLLECTIVE DESIGN HAS MASTERFULLY MANAGED TO MAINTAIN A COHESIVE LOOK THROUGHOUT THE HOME.

FINE FINISHES

Stone-clad walls stand behind custom cabinetry with stone counters in the bath. Golden touches on the hardware and fixtures give the space a spa-like feel.

RAW YET REFINED

A beautiful soaking tub and surround in concrete are punctuated with subtle glints of gold giving the space a sense of sophisticated simplicity. 03

CLEVER AND COOL

Custom design is present throughout the rustic yet modern mountain project. Here brick walls and rough wood are the backdrop for a wash basin with a unique faucet.

Kimberly Gavin Photography

Kimberly Gavin

Photography

Kimberly Gavin Photography

CAKE

3. In a separate bowl, add the egg whites and salt. Whip on medium high speed until foamy. Turn speed to high and gradually add sugar. Continue whipping to stiff peaks.

4. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg white mixture into the almond flour mixture. Fold just until the egg whites are incorporated. Add the melted butter and fold just to incorporate.

5. Divide the batter in thirds and distribute over the three pans. If using one pan, divide the batter evenly and bake them one after the other.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the pan from the oven, release the cake from the pan, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before removing the parchment paper. NOTE: If you are using the pan for the other cakes, rinse it in cold water and dry it before lining it with parchment paper and adding the next batch of batter.

7. When the cakes have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill.

Make the coffee syrup:

1. Place the coffee and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Make the chocolate base:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan with 1 inch of simmering water. Add the crumbled waffle cones and stir to coat them completely.

2. Remove one prepared sponge cake layer and cover it completely and evenly with the chocolate and waffle cone crumbs. Press the chocolate layer gently to smooth it out and compact it. Return the layer to the refrigerator to chill and set.

Make the chocolate ganache:

1. Place the chocolate in a mixing bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat just until it reaches the boiling point. Pour the cream over the chocolate to coat it and let it rest for at least one minute. Use a whisk to blend the cream and chocolate together. Set the mixture aside to cool.

Make the coffee cream:

1. Place sugar and water in a small saucepan with a candy thermometer. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches soft ball stage (240˚F).

2. While the sugar cooks, add the egg yolks to a mixing bowl. Beat them on medium speed until they become paler and creamy. When the sugar is ready, turn the mixer to medium-high and slowly pour in the cooked sugar. When all the sugar is added, continue mixing until the mixture cools.

3. Add the espresso powder and mix to fully incorporate. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter, a bit at a time. Mix until the butter is fully incorporated, then turn the mixer

to high speed and beat until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).

Assemble the cake:

1. Remove the cake layer with the chocolate waffle cone from the fridge. Cover it with a piece of parchment paper and a baking sheet. Invert it with the chocolate crumb side down. Brush the cake side with coffee syrup. TIP: alternatively, a spray bottle works great for this.

2. Add half of the coffee cream to the cake layer and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Add another cake layer and brush (or spray) the top with coffee syrup. Spread the ganache evenly over the top with an offset spatula.

3. Add the remaining cake layer. Brush (or spray) with coffee syrup. Add the remaining half of coffee cream. Spread it evenly and smoothly with an offset spatula.

4. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator to cool for at least two hours before continuing. NOTE: All of the above can be done a day in advance. The cake can rest in the refrigerator, loosely covered, overnight if desired.

Final steps:

1. Transfer the cake to a wire rack over a parchment lined baking sheet.

2. Prepare the glaze by melting the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan with 1 inch of simmering water. When the chocolate is completely melted, add the vegetable oil and whisk to fully incorporate. Immediately pour the glaze over the top of the cake, gently tilting the cake as needed to ensure the top is completely and evenly coated.

3. Return the cake to the refrigerator to cool/set for at least one hour before serving.

4. The cake can be served as it is or decorated as you wish. For the decoration shown, very lightly grease heavy aluminum foil. Crumble the foil loosely and then flatten it slightly on a small baking sheet. Melt semisweet or dark chocolate. Pour it over greased side of the aluminum foil and tilt the pan to coat the foil with chocolate as it begins to cool.

5. Refrigerate the chocolate to cool/set completely then break it into pieces or cut circles with a hot circle cookie cutter. Brush the pieces with edible, gold powder and set aside until ready to serve. For additional flair, brush coffee beans and add them to your decoration.

6. When the cake is ready, remove it from the refrigerator and cut away the outside edges on all four sides using a hot, sharp knife. Keep the knife hot by running it under very hot water and wiping it dry before each cut. Cut the cake in half, then cut each half into four or five pieces. Top with decorations and serve.