The Dad Cake

My original plan was to make a cake for both local dad's; Matt would have one here, and then we'd take one to my father-in-law.
Then reality set in, and I decided to let them share...

Another recipe from Cocolat; Marjolaine.



Four layers of roasted hazelnut and almond meringue, spread with either chocolate, ground roasted almond, or ground hazelnut praline buttercream. Frosted with more chocolate buttercream, with chopped hazelnuts and almonds pressed into the sides.

What can I say? It was a lot of work, but a big hit. Everyone loved it...Alex included ("More cake?", he asked). Optional decorations included zigzags of white or dark chocolate on top, piped rosettes of buttercream down the long sides, and candied hazelnuts.
Sure, in my copious free time...I'll get right on that.