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Italian Chocolate-Chestnut Torte





Yields
Makes 8 to 10 servings

Notes: Gary Rulli, chef-owner of Pasticceria Rulli in Larkspur, California, shares this recipe. Purchase chestnuts in syrup, or marrons glacés, and the chestnut flour at a well-stocked supermarket or gourmet food store. Or order from Dean & DeLuca (707/967-9980 or www.deandeluca.com). If making torte up to 1 day ahead, cool, cover airtight, and chill.

Italian Chocolate-Chestnut Torte




Photo: James Carrier
 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese
 1/2 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta cheese
 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
 2 large eggs, separated
 1 tablespoon rum (optional)
 1/4 cup chestnut flour or all-purpose flour
 1/3 cup chopped chestnuts in syrup, drained, or marrons glacés (see notes)
  Cookie crust (recipe follows)
  Powdered sugar
 8 to 10 whole chestnuts in syrup, drained, or marrons glacés (optional)
  Coffee ice cream
Step 1
1

In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate in a microwave oven on full power (100%) until soft, about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

Step 2
2

To chocolate, add mascarpone, ricotta, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, rum, flour, and chopped chestnuts; stir until well blended.

Step 3
3

In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold whites into cheese mixture; scrape into cookie crust and spread level.

Step 4
4

Bake in a 350° oven until filling is firm when pan is gently shaken and springs back when lightly touched in the center, about 30 minutes (20 minutes in a convection oven).

Step 5
5

Cool on a rack about 20 minutes. Run a knife between cake and pan rim; remove rim. Let torte cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes; proceed, or chill airtight up to 1 day.

Step 6
6

Sift powdered sugar over torte. If desired, decorate top with whole chestnuts spaced evenly around rim. Cut into wedges and serve with ice cream.

Step 7
7

Cookie crust. In a food processor or blender, whirl about 45 vanilla wafer cookies (6 oz. total) until finely ground. Pour crumbs into a 9-inch cake pan with removable rim. Add 3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine, 1 tablespoon each honey and rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; mix well and press evenly over bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories316
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g24%

Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 73mg25%
Sodium 111mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 34g13%

Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Protein 5.5g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.