Turkish torte recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired dessert signals easy summer entertaining and adds the final touch to a long, laidback alfresco lunch. 

Ingredients

6 eggwhites
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 cup (125g) almond meal
500g chocolate halva, chopped (see note)
150g pitted dates, chopped
Grated zest of 2 oranges
120g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup (60ml) brandy
2 tbs edible dried rose petals (see note)
2 tbs slivered pistachios (see note)
2 tbs pomegranate seeds (optional)
Small mint sprigs, to serve

Chocolate glaze

100ml pure (thin) cream
150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 24cm springform cake pan with baking paper. Beat eggwhites with electric beaters until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating constantly, then beat for 5 minutes or until thick and glossy.

Fold in almond meal, halva, dates, zest and chocolate until just combined. Spoon mixture into the cake pan, then bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until dry and firm to the touch (the cake will still be moist in the centre when tested with a skewer).

While hot, poke several holes in the top of the cake with a skewer. Pour brandy over cake, then cool completely in the pan.

Meanwhile, for the glaze, place cream and chocolate in a pan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stand for 30 minutes or until a thick pouring consistency.

Remove the cooled cake from the pan, transfer to a platter and pour over the chocolate glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with rose petals, nuts, pomegranate seeds (if using) and mint.

delicious. - January 2012 , Page 94
Recipe by Valli Little

More from the Lebanese Recipes Kitchen:            

Naboulsiya 
Konafa Bel Fosdok  
Turkish delight and yoghurt bavarois with raspberry syrup  
Turkish Halwa  
Pistachio Delight 
Mohallabiah Strawberries Cake