Torte and Stout

For all of you chocolate devotees, this flour-less chocolate torte passed down from my grandmother, is sensational. Moist, rich and oh-so-decadent, you really only need a sliver. Top it off with a little bit of fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you're set! I made this awhile back for when we were having a friend from New York come stay with us. With how good it came out, you wouldn't have been able to guess how simple it actually was to construct. Paired with a piping hot cup of herbal tea, you really couldn't get much better. All I will say is that the boys did a pretty good job at devouring it...

La Pigna's Chocolate-Almond Torte

This rich, dense cake develops a fuller flavor if made a day ahead. It is marvelous topped with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. This country-style torte is famous on the Isle of Capri and the recipe is from LaPigna Restaurant, 30 Via Lo Palazzo.

Ingredients:

- 6 1/2 oz. (squares) unsweetened chocolate (you can get away with using a 12 oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips)
- 2 C whole, blanched almonds (or walnuts for a cheaper alternative, however I didn't use any)
- 7 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 stick + 5 tablespoons unsalted, room temperature butter
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Tools:

- 8-inch spring form pan
- blender or food processor

1) Preheat oven to 350*F. Butter the bottom of an 8-inch spring form pan and line with parchment paper. Lightly flour sides and bottom.
2) In a food processor/blender, grind 2 cups whole blanched almonds and 6 1/2 oz. (squares) unsweetened chocolate) to a medium/fine consistency.
3) In a medium mixing bowl, beat 7 egg yolks and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (if working by hand, just do your best, i know it can be a workout!). Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter plus another 5 Tbs., softened to room temp and beaten until smooth.
4) Add nut-chocolate mix and beat until well blended. Batter may be dense; scrape into prepared pan.
5) Bake in the lower third of the oven for 45 minutes, or until fork comes out clean.
6) Let cool for 5 minutes, pop out of pan and after cooled, serve with powdered sugar on top.

Enjoy!