Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce

Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day of the week.

History

The combination of chocolate and almonds has been a classic pairing in desserts for centuries. This recipe takes that timeless duo to the next level with the addition of a luscious strawberry sauce.

Ingredients

Sheri Konopko

1.25 cups of sugar (domino)
1 cup of softened margarine
4 eggs, separated
2.25 cups of sliced blanched almonds
7 oz (198 g) of unsweetened chocolate

Sauce

2 cups of frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 cup of sugar

How to prepare

Line the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan with wax paper and grease the paper.
Using a blender, mix the sugar and margarine until fluffy.
Add the egg yolks.
In a food processor, process the almonds and chocolate until finely ground.
Stir the ground almonds and chocolate into the sugar mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Mix 0.33 of the beaten egg whites into the batter.
Gently fold in the remaining beaten egg whites.
Spread the batter into the pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the top springs back when touched.
Cool for 10 minutes before releasing the cake from the pan.

Variations

Try using different nuts, such as hazelnuts or pecans, in place of almonds for a unique flavor twist.
Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk or dark, to customize the taste of the torte.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and line your spring-form pan to ensure easy removal of the torte.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the egg whites are folded in to maintain a light and airy texture.

- Allow the torte to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently folding them into the batter is key to achieving a light and airy texture in this torte.

- Processing the almonds and chocolate together creates a fine texture that blends seamlessly into the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have unsweetened chocolate on hand, you can use cocoa powder as a substitute.

- Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor in the torte.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the torte with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Indulge in the richness of this dessert with around 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

Enjoy a boost of protein with about 6 grams per serving of this Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce.

Vitamins and minerals

Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, adding a nutritional boost to this dessert.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dessert is a decadent treat with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying indulgence.

Summary

This Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and sweet strawberries for a truly indulgent treat. Enjoy a slice of this decadent torte for a special occasion or a sweet ending to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Almond Torte with Strawberry Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that had been sitting on the top shelf of my kitchen for years. As I flipped through the pages, a faded handwritten note fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and read the elegant script that detailed the ingredients and instructions for this decadent dessert.

The note was written by my great-grandmother, a talented baker who had passed down her love of cooking to me. She had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to Europe and brought back the inspiration for this mouthwatering creation. I could almost picture her in her apron, mixing the batter and carefully layering the almonds on top before sliding it into the oven to bake to perfection.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients, my mouth watering in anticipation of the rich, chocolatey goodness that awaited me. I sifted the flour, melted the butter, and whisked the eggs until they were frothy. The scent of cocoa filled the kitchen, mingling with the warm aroma of toasted almonds that wafted from the oven.

As I poured the batter into the cake tin and smoothed the surface with a spatula, I thought back to all the times I had watched my great-grandmother bake in this very kitchen. She had taught me everything I knew about cooking, from the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients to the art of patience and precision in the kitchen.

When the torte emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had created something special. I let it cool on a wire rack while I prepared the strawberry sauce, blending ripe berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice until they formed a luscious, crimson puree that would complement the rich chocolate torte perfectly.

As I sliced into the torte and drizzled the strawberry sauce over each piece, I couldn't help but smile at the memories that flooded my mind. I remembered the laughter and chatter that filled the kitchen when my great-grandmother and I baked together, the stories she told me about her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her own mother.

I savored each bite of the torte, the velvety chocolate melting on my tongue and the crunch of almonds adding a delightful contrast of textures. The strawberry sauce added a burst of freshness and sweetness that made the dessert truly unforgettable.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the last crumbs of the torte and licking my fingers clean of the sauce, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured favorite in my own collection. It was more than just a dessert – it was a connection to my family's past, a link to generations of women who had shared their love of cooking and baking with me.

I carefully tucked the handwritten note back into the cookbook, a reminder of the legacy of culinary creativity that had been passed down through the years. And as I washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, I knew that I would continue to honor that legacy by sharing this delicious recipe with my own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions for generations to come.