Poppy Seed Torte

Name: Poppy Seed Torte
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10-14 servings.
Ingredients: 1/3 cup poppy seeds; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 cups cake flour; 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large egg whites, stiffly beaten; FILLING:; 3/4 cup sugar; 5 teaspoons cornstarch; 2-1/4 cups whole milk; 6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional; Confectioners' sugar

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + soaking Bake: 20 min. + cooling YIELD: 10-14 servings.

I've loved this torte since I was a youngster, and now I can pass it on to my eight grandchildren. It's easy to make and tastes so good!

Ingredients

1/3 cup poppy seeds
3/4 cup whole milk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 cups cake flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites, stiffly beaten
FILLING:
3/4 cup sugar
5 teaspoons cornstarch
2-1/4 cups whole milk
6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Place poppy seeds and milk in a small bowl; soak for 1 hour. Add vanilla. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add poppy seed mixture.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture. Fold in egg whites. Spread into two well-greased and lightly floured 8-in. round baking pans.
3. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
4. For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in vanilla and nuts of desired.
5. Split cakes in half and spread filling between layers. Chill. Just before serving, dust with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 366 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.