Jurassic Chocolate Cake

FOR THE CAKE: Combine the nuts, fruits, and 1/4 cup of the brandy in a bowl and let stand for 2-3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.

Melt the butter and chocolate in a pan. Remove from heat. Stir in the extra brandy, sugar, and egg yolks, one at a time. Stir in the sour cream. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and ground almonds.

Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites through the chocolate fruit mixture. Spread the mixture into the pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

FOR THE ICING: Combine the chocolate and oil in the top of a double boiler. Stir over simmering water until the chocolate melts. Spread the mixture over the cooled cake and decorate with silver balls.