Chocolate-Raspberry Torte

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Don't let the relative lack of height fool you.  This torte packs all of the chocolate and raspberry flavor you can handle into its two dense layers.  Notice the size of the slice.  That is just about right to satisfy the dessert craver after a nice meal.  But believe me, you'll want to have another for breakfast the next morning when you open the fridge and catch the gleam shining off the chocolate ganache.

Speaking of the ganache-- I used Chambord in lieu of an extra tablespoon of cream in the ganache.  I really wanted to highlight that chocolate-raspberry pairing.   The promise of the raspberry jam mixture between the chocolate layers might be enough to have you thinking about this torte at any hour.  No matter what time of day it is enjoyed, whoever gets a piece is sure to delight in the fruits of your labor.

Sunday Dinner

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Caramelized Peaches and Burrata Cheese

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Creamed Corn

Tomatoes and Marinated Red Onions

Simple Salad

Chocolate Nemesis

It is the height of Summer and I know that I should be making desserts involving the bounty of the season.  While I love and appreciate all that nature provides for dessert making this time of year, I really need an excuse to make something with my old friend chocolate.  Try as I might, no reasonable excuse has presented itself.  Well, I'm just gonna have to make something anyway.  At the end of the day, chocolate needs no excuse.

This is like a pudding that you can eat with a fork.  The chocolate flavor is deep and intense, giving you a perfectly valid reason to have a dollop of whipped cream on the side.  The cream takes that rich edge off just a bit while adding a dimension to the overall taste and texture profiles.  Oh, and the name!  It is absolutely brilliant, but after a few bites you might be calling this dessert "Chocolate Frenemy".

Sunday Dinner one year ago

Christmas Eve Dinner

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Dad's Christmas Cocktails

Smoked and Steamed Salmon Rilletes

Pepperoni and Asiago Pinwheels

Roasted Aged Beef Tenderloin

Port Sauce

Roasted Shallots

Potato and Cheese Purée with Horseradish Cream

Christmas Salad with Red and Green Vinaigrette

All-American Peppermint Stick Torte with Hot Fudge Sauce

Christmas Eve is, for me, one of the most magical evenings of the year.  Most of the magic comes from three beautiful little faces that light up with joy, excitement and anticipation of what is to come the next morning.  And being in my home with my husband our three children and our families is the best way to enjoy it. 

For the last couple of years this has been our Christmas Eve menu--the only change being the potatoes.  That depends on my potato and cheese pairing mood:)  From the Rillettes to the salad, this meal is delicious and decadent.  One of my sisters said this is her most favorite meal of the year.  Thanks, D!  But, I don't think our Christmas meal would be complete without this torte.

The All-American Peppermint Stick Torte with Fudge Sauce is the perfect  ending to our meal.  It is fairly easy to make and can be made up to a week ahead.  It is simply a parfait (which is a dessert made from sugar, egg yolks and whipped cream) that is poured into a chocolate wafer crust and frozen.  Top it with whipped cream rosettes, peppermint candies, and serve it with a warm and luscious chocolate fudge sauce--my jaws are cracking.  One bite of this wintry torte and I swear you can hear sleigh bells in the distance.  Hurry my children...off to bed! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

And to rest of my family that I cannot be with tonight...

Hugs and Kisses--Peace and Joy!