Source: Union Hotel, Benicia, California

7 squares bitter chocolate
12 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups strong coffee
1/4 cup bourbon
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat chocolate, butter (yes, that is 12 tablespoons) and coffee to melt. Stir to blend well. Cool for 10 minutes. Beat in bourbon, eggs and vanilla extract. Sift dry ingredients together. Add to wet mixture and beat with a wooden spoon or wire whisk. Divide into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 275 degrees F for 45 to 55 minutes. Cool 10 minutes and turn out.

Topping (make just before serving)
2 cups whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture just barely stands in peaks. Serve atop cooled cake.