Coffee Japonaise

This one cake conjures up so many memories. First, I picture Dad making these Japs in his prime in the bakehouse. I recall discovering a tray of coffee Japs in a tea shop in Poschiavo. Then Dad gave a masterclass in making Japs attended by Johnny and my friend, Karen, whose favourite cake is the coffee Jap. When I showed this recipe to the chef Albert Roux, he made me a vanilla-