Austrian Hazelnut Torte

Name: Austrian Hazelnut Torte
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10-12 servings.
Ingredients: 6 eggs, separated; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted; 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped; Additional hazelnuts, halved, optional

This unusual but delicious flourless torte has a distinctive nutty flavor with a hint of orange. Its luscious cream filling and topping is accented with citrus.

Ingredients

6 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, toasted
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
Additional hazelnuts, halved, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until light lemon-colored. Stir in the chopped hazelnuts, bread crumbs and orange juice.
In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form; fold into hazelnut mixture.
Spoon into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the whipped cream. Top with remaining layer and whipped cream. Garnish with halved hazelnuts if desired.