A Southern Grace: a torte is a torte, of course, of course

March 31, 2011

a torte is a torte, of course, of course

Yum

Wait.  What is a torte?  Apparently, it’s defined by Mr. Webster as ‘a cake made with many eggs and often grated nuts or dry bread crumbs and usually covered with a rich frosting.’  Sometimes they’re layered, sometimes they’re not.  Sometimes they contain flour, sometimes they don’t.  So, what’s the conclusion here?  Torte is just a German word for cake.
 

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Since we’re talking about other languages, let’s talk about Italian and French as well.   More specifically, let’s talk about Ferrero Rocher. Have you ever eaten one of those?  ‘Rocher’ may mean rock, but the only similarity between the two is appearance.  The little treats consist of a whole roasted hazelnut encased in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut cream and covered in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts and walnuts.  In other words, they’re sensational.
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This bonbon-inspired torte begins with a layer of chocolate cake that gets split in half (which may or may not be called torting; I’m beginning to think I just made that definition up).  Between the hazelnut-flavored sugar-syrup-soaked layers and along the top and sides goes a milk chocolate buttercream frosting speckled with a crisp and crunchy hazelnut praline.
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It’s a mighty tasty combination for when you’re feeling like more than a fancy, delicate little bonbon.  Speaking of fancy (as in, the polar opposite of...), some of you chastised me for not posting a picture of myself after getting you to guess what I looked like.  I loved reading your theories—some popular choices were blonde bouffant hair (heck to the no) and cinnamon-colored freckles (yes!).  Many of you seem to picture me with a permanent smile on my face, which makes me smile even more.

Hello, chocolate fountain!
Enjoying the miracle known as a chocolate fountain.

Ferrero Rocher-y Torte

One recipe of your favorite chocolate cake, halved (or you could just make two 9-inch rounds and freeze one)

Nutty simple syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon nut extract or flavoring


Hazelnut Praline:
1/4 pound shelled and skinned hazelnuts
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Fluffy Ganache Frosting:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1-3/4 to 2-1/4 cups powdered sugar

Prepare the chocolate cake using 9-inch round pans according to your recipe's instructions. Once it has cooled, take it out of the pan and pop it into the freezer for a spell. Then, slice it in half horizontally (which may or may not be known as torting).

To make the simple syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Simmer for five minutes, remove from heat, and add extract. Stir, then allow to cool.


To make the praline:
Liberally coat a baking pan with vegetable oil, place the hazelnuts on it in a single layer, and set IT aside. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over high heat and cook until the mixture turns amber. Immediately pour the syrup over the hazelnuts, let it cool completely, and break it into small pieces. Transfer the pieces to a sealable plastic bag and crush them using a heavy skillet or rolling pin. Transfer the crushed pieces to a food processor and process until the mixture is finely ground.

To make the frosting:
In a saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer and then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for 3-4 minutes before whisking until smooth. Place the pan in a bowl of ice water; stir constantly until cooled. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and whip until smooth, thick, and fluffy.

To assemble:

Brush half of the simple syrup evenly over one half of the cake.  Then spread about a third of the frosting onto the top of that half and sprinkle it with half of the praline. Place the other half of the cake layer on top, brush it with the rest of the syrup, and spread the remaining frosting along the top and sides. Press the remaining praline into the frosting on the sides and sprinkle some on top if you're feeling fanciful. Chill for a bit before serving.

76 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

That torte is amazing! It looks incredibly delicious.

You are beautiful! Now I know how you look... ;-P

Cheers,

Rosa

pam said...

Hey that's how I look. My students can judge how bad my day is by how much chocolate is smeared on my face!

Joanne said...

You know it's a good day when you've got chocolate smeared all over your face. Sigh. Yum.

I adore those little ferrero rocher balls and to imagine them in cake form...it's almost too much to handle!

The Teacher Cooks said...

All I can say is please bring me a piece of this before I start my classes. Hazelnuts and chocolate OMG!

cocoa and coconut said...

I am noting this recipe down now! It looks absolutely delicious and the texture looks spot on. Merci!

Kelli said...

This sounds divine! I love Roche. And this cake? Sounds like something I can get on board with. It's a dessert I would make for myself. (I'm quite picky)

DessertForTwo said...

I think 'torting' has potential for other uses. It can start out meaning to cut cake, then it could transfer into 'that car just torted me on the freeway! what a jerk!' Right??

Anyway, looks delicious! :)

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

It's so nice to meet you Grace! I guess I was pretty far off with the blonde hair. I did picture the permanent smile though. As far as the torte is concerned I just adore Ferrero Rocher so there is no question I would LOVE this cake!

Lyndas recipe box said...

Ah, I guessed right on the cinnamon coloring....you look beautiful with your chocolate adornments. :)
But seriously, this cake looks amazing, even addictive to a chocholic like myself. Great job Grace!

TKW said...

You are so adorable! I'm so happy to see your face!

José Manuel said...

La torta es fantastica, que delicia.

Saludos

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

Wow Grace, you are gorgeous! I was definitely wrong about blonde, but so right about that open grin. It's nice to "meet" you finally! And about this cake. HOLY S#@T does this look good. I think I need to make it (perhaps a cupcake adaptation?) ASAP.

Gloria Baker said...

OMG Grace, look dleicious I love Tortes, specially like this, yummy!! gloria

Gloria Baker said...

you are sooo beauty and love your smile! gloria

The Blonde Duck said...

A torte is a torte of course of course....

A Plum By Any Other Name said...

Wait. So you are telling me this is a cake that was inspired by candy? Sold.

Mel said...

A bonbon inspired cake? Sensational! I love Ferrero Rocher (the dark chocolate ones, of course!) and a cake mirrored after them must be divine. Loved the picture! I was a little off in my assessment, but you are cute as can be and I'm glad to know you enjoy a good chocolate fountain!

LilSis said...

I'm glad to finally see your cute face and pretty smile! :-)

You don't too far off from what I had imagined, even though I missed leaving a comment on the other post!

That's a gorgeous torte, too!

kat said...

Oh hazelnut & chocolate in a gooey cake?! Yes please!

Heather said...

Beautiful cake! Thanks for sharing.

Holtnotes said...

Beautiful image of YOU and the cake. When I found the reference to your age being 27 - I put together an image in my head - guess what I was pretty close - except you lost a few pounds!! I added 10-15 pounds to my image - guess I did not account for your wonderful self control.

Your posts are amazing. I am especially excited about this recipe. My daughter has to eat gluten free - so by starting with a gluten free cake, she can have a new, wonderful dessert, since the rest of the ingredients are safe for her.

I enjoy your blog posts. It is nice now to put a picture of you to your words.

Pam said...

You look similar to what I imagined... love the photo!

I also love the torte and would be happy if you sent me a slice today. Thank you.

Hungry Dog said...

Arent you adorable! Love the photo, and love the cake, natch.

Lisa-Marie said...

Fererro Rocher are my favourite chocolates! MMMMM. THis cake looks amazingtastic.


You look like what I thought! I have just noticed my comment is not there though. For some reason I assume all food bloggers a brunette like me unless they provide a picture!

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

How cute are you!

Christina said...

Darling picture! This torte looks so yummy, I'm going to have to try it soon!

Anonymous said...

A super decadent torte! Love all the layers here and the chocolate hazelnut flavor, yum!

Dana said...

Beautiful lady makes a beautiful torte! Awesome!

Laura said...

Very impressed by the cake, and it looks gorgeous too.

Now that I want to know is do you speak with a strong Southern accent? Soft drawl? None at all?

CC11 said...

My hubby would go gaga over this cake.

Love the chocolate grin :)

~~louise~~ said...

Nice to "see" you Grace. You are adorable with that smear on your face:)

The torte/cake looks sinful!!!

Thanks for sharing...

Nabeela said...

yummy recipe thanks for sharing :)

http://www.matbakhun.com/

Barbara said...

Finally, we meet! :) Who came the closest with their guesses?

After reading the recipe for this delight, I understand completely why your face is covered in chocolate. Of course, the empty plate at the end says more than words can!

Hornsfan said...

Great photo Grace, and as always fab recipe!!!

Beth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nutmeg Nanny said...

You're so pretty! Even with chocolate all over your face...haha :)

Loving this torte. It looks amazing. The chocolate is calling my name...

Deborah said...

You actually kind of look like what I had imagined!! And this torte? Out of this world!!

Marjie said...

You do look like Julia Roberts, like I said, but happier, with chocolate!

So, you've given us a German lesson, "Torte' equals "Cake"! Excellent!

Unknown said...

Sweet heavens, that looks fantastic! I love the nice thick layer of frosting in the middle, that looks like my kind of torte ;)

Lori said...

Hey silly chocolate face. SO funny you even have cinnamon freckles to match your undying love for cinnamon.

Can I just say I love tortes, love them!

Cara said...

So nice to finally "meet" you! You are adorable. I'd love to sit down with you for a slice of this tort :)

oneordinaryday said...

I love those Rocher truffles! Great way to enjoy them. : )

scrambledhenfruit said...

Gorgeous torte! One of these would make much more of a satisfying mouthful than one of those little hazelnut darlings. It's nice to put a face with your name- I had pictured you as a blonde too. :)

Angie's Recipes said...

What a stunning Torte! And you look so GOOD with the cinnamon freckles. :-))

marla said...

Grace it is so fun to see a photo of you!! I totally picture you blond & always smiling. You are adorable :)
The torte - no matter what is in one I am a taker. This cake looks amazing! xo

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Aww Grace it is SO nice to see what you look like-you're very pretty! Although I suspected as much anyway :)

shaz said...

Hello Grace. You're gorgeous! You do look slightly different to what I'd thought, but your twinkly eyes and huge smile are just as I'd imagined :)

I loooovvveee Ferrero Rocher! In cake form? Yes, please.

MaryBeth said...

Hi Grace..so nice to finally see your sexy face. I love this cake, I would so eat it all myself.

Aldy said...

Oooh Grace, This is absolutely gorgeous! I'd love o try some of your torte right now :)

Cheers,

Aldy.

Mimi said...

What can I say, lovely photo, lovely cake.
Mimi

The Blonde Duck said...

Have a magical Monday!

Julie M. said...

It's so fun to finally see the face behind the blog! You are gorgeous! And as long as we're on the top of all things gorgeous, this cake.... oh this cake (or torte as the case may be). Slice me up an extra big slice, I'm all in!

lisa is cooking said...

Crispy crunchy hazelnut praline is a yes for me! And, I certainly have no objections to a fluffy ganache frosting.

I was correct about your hair color!

Juliana said...

Grace, love your definition of torte/cake :-)
This cake look absolutely mouthwatering, love the many layers and chocolate + hazelnut is just a perfect combination. Have a great week!

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

What a nice picture of you. That dessert is amazing.

Jennifer said...

The dessert looks yummy, however too complicated for me, so make me one for my Birthday, LOL! You are even more beautiful than I imagined!

foodhoe said...

I love the photo of the licked plate and you have such a dazzling smile!

Emily said...

It's you! You're so cute and pretty! I demand more pictures!

This cake looks incredible. I love those rocher chocolates. Uh. SO good.

Anonymous said...

The torte looks so beautiful & truly appetizing too, dear Grace!

I love your lovely & stunning pictures too!

Kisses & many greets from a foodie friend from Brussels!!! xxx

Nic said...

Grace, so lovely to see the face behind the blog, and what a beautiful one it is too! Very cute!

Great way to use up the chocs, that torte is gorgeous too.

Mandy said...

Wow! This cake looks freaking fantastic and has all my favorite things. The ferrero rocher chocolates are some of my favorite indulgences. I'm really not into baking, but I may just HAVE to try this recipe.

pigpigscorner said...

All the fancy names...lol..lovely cake!

Carolyn Jung said...

I don't know if it's a cake or a torte. I just know it looks irresistible. Mmm, Ferrero Rochers are one of my fave confections, so this has got to be just outstanding.

Jaime said...

heh, when a torte was chosen for TWD i had to look it up too! i had no idea. this looks so moist and delicious!

BuyWoWAccounts said...

Oh my! That is definitely one great torte/cake! The photo alone is so enticing. It looks so delicious!

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Erin said...

Holy smokes!!! Is it horrible that I want to eat this right now for breakfast?!?!? Looks divine!!!

kellypea said...

Well, HELLO! you, not the torte, but I'll say hello to that too because it looks and sounds AMAZING. I love it when people show their faces -- sort of completes everything, yanno? I did think you'd be at least as old as my oldest son plus five years just for good measure. It seems nearly everyone in foodland is a twenty or thirty something, and sometimes I feel pretty out-numbered holding down the fifty something camp. Oh well. Here, let me pinch your cheek, you lovely lady!

kimberleyblue said...

I just made a cinnamon/hazelnut cake topped with crumbled ferrero rocher. I don't actually like those chocolates; I think that's because I'm not a fan of hazelnuts. That said, I think the people I made that cake for would much prefer this cake...it sounds great! And Your photos are great, you are so good at getting the macro images of a dessert.

Thanks for posting your photo. I pictured you about 20 years older! (this is a compliment - trust me - your ability with writing, baking, and photography had me believe you had years and years of experience...which maybe you do have, except you look so young!

I hope I'm explaining that properly, and I haven't insulted you....

Anonymous said...

That torte looks great! And finally, a face to my long-lost cinnamon fiend of a twin; you look lovely :)

Alicia Foodycat said...

That's a fine looking cake! But I am disappointed by the lack of blonde bouffant, even if you are much prettier your way.

Robin said...

Scream! I totally pictured you correctly! That is so cool. But I didn't picture the chocolate on your face!

cookies and cups said...

how cute are you?!
I totally pictured you all wrong :/

awesome "torte" too!

Unknown said...

You're so cute! I totally had you pictured differently!

Your torte looks delicious. :)

Kerstin said...

What a cute pic - love it!

I always thought tortes were stacked cakes made from brownies, lol, I have no idea where I got that idea from. No matter what it's called, this just looks amazing - wish I had a big piece right now!

Janna Renee said...

hehe i don't care what you call it, as long as i get to eat it!

Anonymous said...

Always late to the party (trying to get back into the swing!)... but so glad I decided to start here because I finally get to know what you look like! :)