1/4 c Blanched almonds; (1-oz)

3 tb All purpose flour

3 oz Bittersweet chocolate

Or semisweet chocolate = chopped fine 1/2 c Unsweetened dutch process

Cocoa powder 1 c Sugar

1/2 c Boiling water

2 Egg yolks

1 tb Brandy

4 Egg whites; room temp

1/4 ts Cream of tartar; scant

2 ts Powdered sugar; (2 to 3)

Equipment: 8-inch round springform pan, 2 1/2-3 inches deep. 8-cardboard cake circle, optional Position oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Place a round of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan (unless you plan to serve the cake directly from the bottom of the pan) and spraythe sides with vegetable oil spray. In a food processor or blender, pulverize almonds with flour until very fine. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped chocolate, cocoa, and 3/4 cup sugar. Pour in boiling water and whisk until mixture is smooth and chocolate is completely melted. Whisk in egg yolks and brandy. Set aside Combine egg whites with cream of tartar in a medium mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually sprinkle in remaining sugar and beat on high speed until stiff but not dry. Whisk the flour and almondsinto chocolate mixture. Fold about one quarter of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites. Scrape batter into prepared pan; level the top if necessary. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick or wooden skewer plunged into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Cool in the pan, on a wire rack. Torte will sink like a souffle; top will be uneven. Taking care not to break the edges of the torte, slide a small knife between the tort and the pan and run it around the pan to release the cake completely. Invert cake and remove pan and paper liner. Turn right side upon cardboard circle or platter. Or, simply serve on the bottom of the springform pan. Torte may be completed to this point and stored, wrapped airtight one day in advance of serving. Or, freeze up to two months. To serve, sieve powdered sugar SHOW #DJ9150. TV FOOD NETWORK -----