Chocolate Almond Torte

The Chocolate Almond Torte is a very simple recipe.  I was trying to think of a delicious dessert for Easter that my son's girlfriend could also enjoy with us since she is gluten free.  This cake is the answer for that girl. Chelsea this is for you!!!  Enjoy

Note: It keeps well in the freezer.  You should always make two: one for now and one for the freezer!

Chocolate Almond Torte

Torte:

1 1/2 cups toasted & ground almonds

1 cup sugar

3 cups good quality semi-sweet chocolate, broken into small pieces & melted

8 oz. sweet butter, room temperature, cut into 1 inch pieces

6 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Place ground almonds and sugar into a food processor and pulse for 1-2 seconds.
3. To melt chocolate, microwave on low for 30 seconds and then stir.  Repeat until completely melted and smooth. Add melted chocolate to mixture in food processor and process until well-combined.
4. Add butter pieces to mixture and process.  (it is not necessary to mix until smooth; some texture is a good thing.)  Add eggs one a t a time, mixing well after each one.
5. Pur half of batter into each prepared cake pan.  Bake for 25 minutes.  The torte will seem loose and sunken in the center and will have risen around the sides.  Remove from oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
6. Run a knife carefully around sides of pan to loosen torte.  Press a small piece of foil (6x6", folded in half) gently onto torte to make a dense, flat surface.  Let it cool completely, at least 1-2 hours.

remove from pan and place on rack.

Glaze:
1 cup good-quality semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
1/8 cup water

1. Combine chocolate and water, microwave on low for 30 seconds, and then stir.  Repeat until a glossy sheen is achieved.
2. Pour half of the glaze onto middle of each torte (while on racks).  Spread glaze over torte with a spoon or angled pastry knife, allowing it to grip over sides.  Let set for 2 hours before serving.

Cut into eighths and serve with berries or whipped cream or both, but the torte is also delicious on its own.