posted by Fruffy 04-08-99 2:17 PM
Flourless Chocolate Cherry Torte (by Godiva)
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch in Arizona
Macerated cherry mixture:
1 cup sun-dried cherries
3/4 cup kirsch (cherry brandy)
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Zest of one orange
Chocolate cherry torte:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3/4 cup whole blanched almonds
6 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
Sweetened whipped cream garnish:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnish:
Chocolate-dipped cherries
Shaved chocolate
Macerate the cherries:
In a non-corrosive medium saucepan place the cherries, kirsch, cherry juice and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Remove from the heat and let sit at least 1 hour.
Make the chocolate cherry torte:
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
Lightly butter a 10" cake pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Melt the chocolate with the butter. Set aside.
Place the almonds in a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Process until finely chopped. Set aside.
In a 4 1/2-quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer using the wire whip attachment beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and forms a ribbon when the whip is lifted.
Using a rubber spatula scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl.
Add the chocolate/butter mixture, ground nuts and reserved soaked cherries (including the juice).
Mix until just combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the torte 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Place the torte in the refrigerator until chilled. The center will sink slightly.
Invert the cake onto a plate.
Garnish the torte:
In a chilled medium bowl using a hand-held electric mixer set at medium speed, beat the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Place a slice of the torte on a serving plate and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate dipped cherries and shaved chocolate, if desired.
Note: cut into thin pieces as it is rich, does not need the whipped cream and it serves more than 12 people