POPPY-SEED TORTE

Poppy-Seed Torte image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 1 seven-inch torte

Number Of Ingredients 9

Unsalted butter, for pan
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1/2 cup poppy seeds
3 tablespoons finely ground toasted walnuts (3/4 ounce)
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 7-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper; butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess. In a small bowl, combine poppy seeds, walnuts, flour, almond extract, and salt.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar on medium-high speed until pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the poppy-seed mixture, but do not stir in.
Place egg whites in a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pan of simmering water until warm to the touch. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with a clean, dry whisk attachment, and beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar until stiff and glossy peaks form. Fold egg whites into egg-yolk mixture in three batches.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan, and bake until lightly golden and firm on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Carefully remove sides of pan, and transfer torte to a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar, and serve in wedges.