Flourless Chocolate-Orange Torte

Ingredients:

Torte:

1/2 cup trans-fat-free margarine

1/4 cup granular sugar substitute

4 eggs, separated

3/4 cup ground almonds

1/2 cup matzoh cake meal

4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp grated orange zest

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

sliced almonds

 

Glaze:

1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half

1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

 

Makes 12 Servings

1. For the torte: Heat oven to 325 F. Line an 8-inch can pan with wax paper.
2. Using a wooden spoon, cream margarine and sugar substitute together in a large bowl unti light and fluffy. Whisk in egg yolks. Stir in almonds, matzoh meal, chocolate, vanilla, zest and orange juice (batter will be thick).
3. In another large bowl, whit and electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold whites into chocolate batter. Turn batter into pan and bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool torte in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then turn out onto the rack and cool for another 30 minutes.
4. For the glaze: When torte has cooled, combine half-and-half and chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Spread glaze over top of cake. Garnish with sliced almonds, if using.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. I made this yummy dessert over the Passover/Easter holiday and it was SO delicious. This dessert is perfect for those who eat a gluten-free diet because there is not flour in this treat and it's filled with so much flavor. I'm not Jewish but I have come to love Jewish desserts and this dessert did not disappoint. I learned that chocolate, matzoh cake meal and nuts are popular ingredients in Passover desserts. This torte has all three PLUS the orange juice and zest for a more  bold flavor. The combination of chocolate and orange is so decadent I think it should be served for dessert whenever your having company for dinner. Dessert should always be a memorable close to a dinner meal because you always want to finish with a bang.