Grease a 10-inch cake pan with 2 teaspoons of the butter. In a metal bowl set over a simmering pot of water, melt the chocolate with the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and stir occasionally until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the sugar, beat on medium-high speed until pale and thick. In a large stainless steel bowl, whip the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Slowly beat the chocolate into the egg yolk mixture (If the mixture "seizes" or curdles, add cold cream and whisk until smooth), then gently fold in the egg whites. Spread 1 cup of the pecans in the prepared pan and pour the chocolate mixture over them. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup pecans over the top and refrigerate overnight. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and turn onto a serving platter. Using a warm knife, slice the cake into 12 equal slices. To serve, spoon the sauce in the center of each serving plate. Lay a piece of the cake in the center of sauce. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, several coffee beans, confectioners' sugar and mint.

*RAW EGG WARNING

Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

In a saucepan over high heat, combine the coffee and cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the chocolate, whisking as it melts, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve immediately or store, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a double boiler. Yield: about 2 1/2 cups