California Torte Food

CHOCOLATE TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease a springform pan; dust with cocoa. Line bottom with kitchen parchment.
• In 2 qt saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with butter.
• In large bowl, with wire whisk beat egg yolks and vanilla.
• Slowly beat warm chocolate mixture into yolk mixture until blended.
• In small bowl with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gradually beat in 1/4 cup powdered sugar until sugar dissolves and whites stand in stiff peaks.
• Fold beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture, one third at a time.
• Spoon batter into pan spreading evenly.
• Bake torte 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
• Cool torte in pan.
• When torte is cool, remove side of pan then remove torte from pan bottom; discard parchment.
• Cut torte in 12 wedges. Sprinkle 6 wedges with cocoa, remaining 6 wedges with confectioners sugar.
• Arrange wedges alternately on cake plate.

FRESH FRUIT TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the crust: In a food processor, combine the confectioners' sugar, flour, and butter, and process until the mixture forms a ball. With your fingers, press the dough into a 12-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, taking care to push the crust into the indentations in the sides. Pat until the crust is even. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until very lightly browned. Set aside to cool.( you may do this as individuals as well).
• For the filling and topping: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust. Cut the strawberries into 1/4-inch slices and arrange around the edge of the crust. For the next circle, use kiwi slices. Add another circle of strawberries, filling in any spaces with blueberries. Cluster the raspberries in the center of the tart.
• For the glaze: Combine the limeade, cornstarch, lime juice, and sugar in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until clear and thick, about 2 minutes. Let cool. With a pastry brush, glaze the entire tart. You will not use all of the glaze.
• Keep the tart in the refrigerator. Remove about 15 minutes before serving. Slice into 8 wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

CALIFORNIA TORTE

Steps:

• Line a one-quart dish with plastic wrap.
• Place the garlic and cheeses in a food processor, and process.
• Add oil and thyme, and process again until well combined.
• Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture in the dish.
• Then spread the pesto over the cheese.
• Spread another 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the pesto.
• Next, layer with the chopped red peppers.
• Finish with the final layer of cheese.
• Cover and chill at least 2 hrs.
• When ready to serve, unmold onto serving plate and garnish with additional red pepper strips, and fresh herbs (thyme or basil) if desired.
• Serve with crackers or raw veggies.

CA SIZZLES TIJUANA TORTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brown ground beef with onion. Drain grease.
• Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, salsa, green chiles and taco seasoning to the meat and mix well.
• Tear tortillas into pieces and lay in bottom of 9x9-inch dish. Spoon 1/3 of emat sauce on top of tortillas and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese. Layer 2 more times with tortillas, meat sauce and cheese.
• Top with remaining Cheddar cheese, covering entire top.
• Bake 30-45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before serving.