Chocolate Almond Torte

==Description==
10 to 12 servings.
=== Ingredients ===
* 4 	 	eggs, separated
* 3/4 	cup 	Sugar, divided
* 3/4 	cup 	Ground blanched almonds
* 1/3 	cup 	all-purpose flour
* 1/3 	cup 	HERSHEY'S cocoa
* 1/2 	tsp 	baking soda
* 1/4 	tsp 	salt
* 1/4 	cup 	water
* 1 	tsp 	vanilla extract
* 1/4 	tsp 	almond extract
* cherry FILLING (recipe follows)
* chocolate GLAZE (recipe follows)
* sliced almonds, maraschino cherries or Candied cherries, halved
== Directions ==
# Heat oven to 375 °F. 
# Grease bottoms of three 8-inch round baking pans. 
# Line bottoms with wax paper; grease paper.
# Beat egg yolks on medium speed of mixer 3 minutes in medium bowl. 
# Gradually add 1/2 cup Sugar; continue beating 2 minutes.
# Stir together almonds, flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add alternately with water to egg yolk mixture, beating on low speed just until blended.
# Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
# Beat egg whites in large bowl until foamy; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup Sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 
# Fold small amount beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture; gently fold chocolate mixture into into remaining whites just until blended. 
# Spread batter evenly into prepared pans.
# Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. 
# Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. 
# Cool completely.
# Prepare Cherry FILLING. 
# Place one cake layer on serving plate; spread half of filling over top. 
# Repeat, ending with plain layer on top. 
# Prepare chocolate GLAZE; spread on top of cake, allowing glaze to run down sides. 
# Garnish with almonds and cherry halves. 
# Refrigerate until glaze is set. 
# Cover; refrigerate leftover torte. 
===== Cherry FILLING =====
* 1 cup (1/2 pint) cold whipping cream, 
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 
* 1-1/2 teaspoons kirsch (cherry brandy) or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 
* 1/3 cup chopped red Candied cherries
# Beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and brandy until stiff; fold in cherries. 
# About 2 cups filling.
===== Chocolate GLAZE =====
* 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, 
* 2 tablespoons HERSHEY'S cocoa, 
* 2 tablespoons water, 
* 1 cup powdered sugar, 
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat; add cocoa and water, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. 
# Remove from heat; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating with whisk until smooth and of spreading consistency. 
# Add additional water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, if needed. 
# About 3/4 cup glaze.
== See also ==
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Almond extract Recipes
Category:Brandy Recipes
Category:Cherry Desserts
Category:Cherry Recipes
Category:Chocolate Recipes
Category:Christmas Desserts
Category:Cocoa Recipes
Category:Egg white Recipes