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1
Grease three 8 inch (20 cm) layer cake pans and line bottom with waxed or parchment paper.
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2
Heat oven to 350F (180 C).
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3
Measure out 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) of the ground nuts for the CAKE batter.
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4
Set aside 3/4 cup nuts (175 mL) for the FILLING, and 3/4 cup (175 mL) for the OUTSIDE of the cake.
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5
Separate eggs, putting the whites in a large mixer bowl and the yolks in a small bowl.
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6
(I always have the eggs at room temperature and make sure no egg yolk gets into the whites).
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7
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then beat in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the sugar gradually.
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8
Beat until stiff.
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9
Beat egg yolks, beating in remaining sugar gradually and continue beating at high speed until thick and light coloured.
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10
Stir in the 1 1/2 cups nuts, bread crumbs, baking powder, lemon rind and salt and about 1/4 of the egg white mixture.
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11
FOLD this mixture gently but quickly back into the remaining egg whites.
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12
Turn into prepared pans and bake about 20 minutes or until tops spring back when touched lightly in the middle.
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13
Cool slightly in pans, then turn out on racks and strip off waxed paper while still WARM.
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14
FOR THE FILLING: Combine gelatin and cold water in a small dish and let stand 5 minutes.
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15
Set in a pan of simmering water and heat until gelatin dissolves.
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16
Cool slightly.
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17
Whip cream and icing sugar until soft peaks form.
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18
Beat in almond extract and vanilla and drizzle in the gelatin, beating until stiff.
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19
Put about half of the whipped cream into another bowl and fold in 3/4 cup (175 mL) ground nuts.
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20
Spread this mixture between the cake layers.
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21
Ice the sides and 1 inch rim on top with remaining plain whipped cream.
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22
Spread the cherry jam in the centre of the top of the torte and decorate the whipped cream border with nut halves.
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23
Press the remaining 3/4 cup ground nuts lightly into the cream on the sides of the cake.
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24
Chill several hours.
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25
12 Servings.
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26
Recipes Only Magazine.