CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO-NUT TORTE

Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte image

I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. -Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

5 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon baking cocoa
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
GANACHE:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line the bottom of a greased 9-in springform pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and dust with cocoa. Set aside., Place hazelnuts and brown sugar in a food processor; cover and process until ground. In a second large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add 1 egg yolk at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate, espresso powder, extract and salt. Gradually add hazelnut mixture., In the first large bowl, with clean beaters beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Spread into prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet., Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove sides of pan and invert onto a serving plate., Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until ganache reaches a spreading consistency, about 30 minutes., Spread ganache over top and sides of cake; press almonds onto sides. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387 calories, Fat 32g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 118mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.