Bright Marjolaine

Name: Bright Marjolaine
Ingredients: 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons sugar; 3/4 cup finely ground almonds, optionally toasted; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 5 egg whites, at room temperature; pinch of cream of tartar; pinch of salt; 1/3 cup sliced or chopped almonds, toasted; 6 + 1 tablespoons lemon juice; finely grated zest of 2 lemons; 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 2/3 + 3/4 cups crème fraîche; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon cognac or brandy