Chocolate and Hazelnut Torte

Last night I made a desert that I think was to die for! I have never made a Torte and so had to do a little bit of homework on the net to find the basics of how to make one. The inspiration came from the one made on Masterchef by Kate Sunday night. So after arming myself with the principles this is the recipe I came up with:

Ingredients

5 egg-whites
1 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ cup hazelnut meal


What to do


Beat the egg whites till stiff then gradually add in the sugar, a little at a time making sure each sugar is dissolved and the egg whites are shiny and stiff. Next add the cornflour, cacoa powder and the white vinegar. Next gently fold in the hazelnut meal, careful not to over stir it.


Pre heat oven to 120 degrees and cut out grease proof paper in circles about the size of an entree dinner plate, and place them on a baking trays. Divide the mixture between the three cut outs and bake in the pre heated oven on 120 degrees for about 25-35 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door slightly and leave for approx. 30  minutes or until cooled.


The insides


I used creme fraiche and caster sugar whisked together to make it a little easier to spread and making sure the sugar was dissolved. I also made a chocolate ganache using 1/2 cup cream and 400g milk chocolate. In a saucepan combine the cream and chocolate and stir over medium heat until chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and allow to cool a little ( as it cools it will thicken up) When at desired consistency start layering the Torte placing one of the cakes at the bottom and then spread creme fraiche then the chocolate ganache then layer another cake on top and repeat. To finish drizzle the ganache over the top and allow it to drizzle down the sides.


Cut small slices (as it is very rich) and enjoy!