Lemon Sorbet Torte

Name: Lemon Sorbet Torte
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups slivered almonds, toasted; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 5 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam; 3 pints lemon sorbet, softened; STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SAUCE:; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 2-1/2 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb; 2-1/2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed and sliced; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Oohs and ahs are sure to be the reaction when you bring this elegant torte to the table. It all starts with the unique almond and cinnamon-flavored crust topped with a layer of strawberry jam, then filled with prepared lemon sorbet. The torte is served with a rhubarb-strawberry sauce and additional fresh strawberries. Sarah Bradley of Athens, Texas gets the credit for creating this impressive dessert.

Ingredients

3 cups slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam
3 pints lemon sorbet, softened
STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SAUCE:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb
2-1/2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed and sliced
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

Place the almonds, sugar and cinnamon in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. Stir in the butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of an ungreased 9-in. springform pan.
Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt jam; spread over bottom of crust. Top with sorbet. Freeze until firm.
Meanwhile, for sauce, combine sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add rhubarb; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Add thawed strawberries; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla. Cool sauce; refrigerate until chilled.
Just before serving, remove sides of springform pan. Spoon 1/2 cup sauce onto center of torte; top with fresh strawberries. Serve with remaining sauce.