SWEETHEART TORTE

Sweetheart Torte image

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups sugar
3 (2-ounce) packages almonds blanched (about 1 1/2 cups total)
6 eggs white large, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate chopped
2 1/2 cups whipped cream
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Sliced fresh strawberries

Steps:

Preheat oven to 250°. Grease and flour three baking sheets. With the tip of a knife, draw three separate 8-inch circles or hearts on the baking sheets.Place 1 cup of the sugar and almonds in a food processor bowl. Cover and process until nuts are finely ground set aside.In a large mixer bowl at high speed, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 3 tablespoons sugar and vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in sugared ground nuts. Spread one-third of the mixture in each circle on baking sheets.Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until nearly dry and edges are golden. Loosen layers with a spatula and carefully transfer warm shells to wire racks to cool completely. Assemble torte immediately or store meringues in an airtight container.In a small saucepan, mix chocolate, 1/2 cup of the whipping cream, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Stirring constantly over low heat, cook until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Chill for 1 hour or until firm enough to spread.In a small mixer bowl at medium speed, beat remaining 2 cups whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.About 4 1/2 hours before serving, assemble torte. Place one meringue layer on a serving plate and spread with about 1 cup of the whipped cream. Spread half of the chocolate mixture on a second meringue layer place, chocolate-side down, on first layer. Spread about 1 cup of the whipped cream on the top surface. Spread remaining chocolate mixture on third meringue layer place, chocolate-side down, on cream-covered stack. Wrap assembled torte in plastic wrap and chill for 3 1/2 hours.Uncover and frost top and sides of torte with remaining whipped cream. Chill, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Garnish top with strawberries.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves