Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, plus more for pan

4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 large egg

1/4 cup superfine sugar

1/2 tablespoon water

1/2 tablespoon rum (optional)

One 8 1/2-ounce box whole-wheat biscuit cookies (wheatmeal biscuits or Carr’s Wheatolo English Biscuits), coarsely crumbled

2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) walnuts, coarsely chopped

2 ounces (about 1/3 cup packed) dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional)

Preparation

Lightly butter an 8-by-2-inch spring-form pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Place bowl on top of a saucepan filled with 1 inch of simmering water. Stir mixture occasionally until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Remove bowl from saucepan; set aside.

In another medium bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, and water. Place over the pot of simmering water; whisk until pale, fluffy, and thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove bowl from heat; whisk in chocolate and rum, if using. Let cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Fold crushed cookies, half the walnuts, and half the cherries into chocolate mixture. Pour into prepared pan; smooth top with a spatula. Sprinkle remaining nuts and cherries on top. Cover; chill until set, about 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream, if using.