Strawberry Hazelnut Torte Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
• Dash salt
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• Additional fresh strawberries, halved

Directions

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trace two 8-in. circles 1/2 in. apart on the paper; set aside.
• Add vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and salt to egg whites; beat until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over paper circles. Sprinkle with hazelnuts; cut through meringues with a knife to swirl nuts.
• Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until the meringue and nuts are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet. When completely cool, remove meringues from paper; store in an airtight container. In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.
• To assemble, place one meringue, flat side down, on a serving plate; spread with half of the melted chocolate. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread half over chocolate layer. Arrange sliced strawberries over whipped cream.
• Spread flat side of remaining meringue with melted chocolate. Place chocolate side down over strawberries; spread with remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving. Garnish with halved strawberries. Yield: 10-12 servings.

• Prep: 45 min. + chilling Bake: 30 min. + cooling

4530

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 247 calories, 14 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 41 mg cholesterol, 42 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.