---------------------------ALMOND MERINGUE LAYERS--------------------------- 2 ea Egg whites

2/3 c Almonds, blanched, ground

1/2 c Sugar

-----------------------------------MOUSSE----------------------------------- 3 c Raspberries, fresh OR

30 oz Raspberries, frozen,

-- thawed, and drained -- (liquid reserved) 1/2 c Sugar

3 tb Water, cold

1 tb Syrup, corn, light

3 ea Egg whites

1/2 ea Lemon, juice of

2 c Cream, whipping

For Almond Meringue Layers: =========================== Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or butter and flour it). Using a pencil and 8-inch souffle dish as guide, trace 2 circles exactly the diameter of dish onto parchment paper. Fold sheet of parchment or waxed paper in half lengthwise and lightly oil one side of paper and wrap it around souffle dish so it extends 3 inches above top of dish, taping it securely with masking tape. Preheat the oven to 200 F. Beat 2 egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Stir together ground almonds and sugar and gently fold into beaten egg whites. Transfer mixture to pastry bag fitted with round 1/2-inch tip. Starting in the center and spiraling outward, form 2 8-inch circles 1/4 inch thick. Bake until crisp, about 1 1/2 hours. Cool on a rack. For Mousse: =========== Choose a few perfect raspberries for garnish and set aside. Puree remaining raspberries in processor or blender until very smooth. Transfer 2 tablespoons of puree, with seeds, to measuring cup. Strain remaining puree into mixing bowl, eliminating all seeds. Add enough strained puree to the 2 tablespoons to measure 1/2 cup. Set aside. Chill remaining strained puree, which will be used as sauce. In a small heavy saucepan combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Bring slowly to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally and brushing down any sugar crystals from sides of pan with brush dipped in cold water. Raise heat slightly and cook until temperature of syrup reaches 240 F (soft ball stage). While syrup is cooking, beat 3 egg whites in a mixer until stiff. As soon as syrup reaches 240 F, lower mixer speed to slow and pour hot syrup onto beaten whites, in a very thing stream. When all of the syrup has been incorporated, raise a mixer speed and beat meringue until cool. Stir together the 1/2 cup reserved raspberry puree and lemon juice and fold into the meringue until nearly blended. Whip cream until stiff and fold into the meringue until blended. DO NOT OVERMIX. To Assemble: ============ Spread 3/4-inch layer of mousse in prepared souffle dish. Carefully peel off the paper from a meringue layer and place the layer on top. Repeat, adding 3/4-inch layer of mousse, then remaining meringue layer. Top with remaining mousse, smoothing it gently with spatula. Freeze at least 3 hours. To serve, carefully remove paper collar. Smooth exposed edge of souffle, if necessary, with a metal spatula. Use a knife blade or long metal spatula to score shallow crisscross pattern in top of souffle. Garnish with reserved raspberries. Serve in wedges, spooning a little of the chilled raspberry puree around each portion and serving remainder separately. Source: New York's Master Chefs, Bon Appetit Magazine : Written by Richard Sax, Photographs by Nancy McFarland : The Knapp Press, Los Angeles, 1985 Chef: Andre Soltner, Lutece Restaurant, New York