STRAWBERRY HAZELNUT TORTE

Strawberry Hazelnut Torte image

"This beautiful dessert is a very big hit at parties," relates Phyllis Amboss of Pacific Palisades, California. "The tender meringues have a wonderful hazelnut flavor with layers of chocolate, whipped cream and berries. "I got the recipe when we were in Israel for a few months in 1979. I had no cookbooks with me, and my hairdresser gave me an old Australian cookbook with this recipe in it. I made a few changes and this is the result."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
Dash salt
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon shortening
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Additional fresh strawberries, halved

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Trace two 8-in. circles 1/2 in. apart on the paper; set aside., Add vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and salt to egg whites; beat until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over paper circles. Sprinkle with hazelnuts; cut through meringues with a knife to swirl nuts., Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until the meringue and nuts are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet. When completely cool, remove meringues from paper; store in an airtight container. In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature., To assemble, place a meringue, flat side down, on a serving plate; spread with half of the melted chocolate. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread half over chocolate layer. Arrange sliced strawberries over whipped cream., Spread flat side of remaining meringue with melted chocolate. Place chocolate side down over strawberries; spread with remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving. Garnish with halved strawberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 247 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 42mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.