Preheat oven to 400 degrees. generously butter 6 cups of standard cake pan. dust with granulated sugar and tap out excess. set aside

In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. add eggs one @ a time, beating well after each addition. with the mixer on low speed, beat in flour, nuts and salt until just combined. beat in chocolate until just combined. divide batter evenly among prepared cake pan

Place cake pan on a baking sheet ; bake just until tops of the cake no longer jiggle when pan is lightly shaken, 8 -10 minutes. remove from the oven : let it stand 10 minutes

To serve, turn out cakes, place on serving plates, bottom sides up. dust with confectioners' sugar, chocolate sauce, nuts & chocolate gratings..

Serve with whipped cream if desired