Torte Melange Recipes

TORTE MELANGE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Prepare a 10 inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, allowing the phyllo to hang 1/4 inch over the sides. Sprinkle 1/3 of the bread crumbs evenly into the bottom of the pan. Layer with 1/3 each of the prosciutto, spinach, provolone, green onions, and banana peppers. Repeat twice more to form three layers. Lay the edges of the exposed phyllo over the torte, then layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough over the top. Tuck the edges of the phyllo dough into the sides of the pan. In a small cup, mix together the egg and water. Brush over the top of the pastry.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then cover loosely with aluminum foil. Continue baking until brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before removing from pan and serving.

MERINGUE TORTE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Pour into 3 parchment-lined 9-in. round baking pans; set aside., In a large bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Add vanilla. Fold in 1/2 cup walnuts. Spread meringue evenly over cake batter; sprinkle with remaining walnuts. , Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes (meringue will crack). Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using 2 large spatulas, carefully remove 1 cake to a serving plate, meringue side up. Carefully remove remaining cakes, meringue side up, to wire racks. , In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Carefully spread half the filling over cake on serving plate; top with half the raspberries. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake. Store in the refrigerator.

CHILEAN TORTA DE MERENGUE

Steps:

• MERINGUE DISKS:.
• Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. Grease and flour two 9" springform pans. If you prefer, line them with parchment paper.
• On low speed, beat egg whites and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy. At this point, increase mixer speed to high and beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. While still beating, add the superfine sugar one tablespoon at a time. Beat for about 8 minutes, or until you see stiff glossy peaks. Beat in lemon juice (or vinegar) and vanilla extract.
• Mix together the granulated sugar, nuts and cornstarch in a small bowl, then fold this mixture into the beaten egg white mixture.
• Divide meringue equally between the two prepared springforms, then spread to even out. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meringues are dry. Turn off the oven, remove the springform from the bottom of the pans, and leave meringues in the oven to cool for an hour (leave oven door slightly open).
• After cooling in oven, meringues can be used immediately, stored tightly wrapped for a few days at room temp, or frozen for a couple of months.
• GLAZE:.
• Combine chocolate, butter and coffee in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan. Over low heat, stir mixture until melted and smooth. If you prefer, this can be done in a microwave instead. Once melted, allow to cool.
• FILLING:.
• Halve the cherimoya and scrape the flesh into a mixing bowl using a small spoon. Mash the cherimoya flesh with a fork, hen pick out the seeds and throw them out. Mix the fruit mash with the lemon juice and pisco or brandy. Mix the berries into the cherimoya mixture.
• Softly whip the cream (and stabilizer, if using) in a large bowl on low speed. Increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. Divide whipped cream in half. Fold the prepared fruit mixture into one half of the whipped cream.
• ASSEMBLY:.
• Place one of the meringue disks on a serving plate with a bit of the plain whipped cream underneath to keep disk from slipping around. Drizzle the glaze over the meringue (don't spread it, though), then spread the fruit on top. Place second meringue disk over the fruit. Using a decorator bag with a 1/4" star tip, pipe 8 to 10 circles of cream around the top of the meringue disk. If using, arrange berries &/or chocolate curls on top of the torte. Sprinkle with powdered sugar (if using the chocolate curls, the powdered sugar should be sprinkled on before the chocolate for a better appearance). Chill for at least 4 hours before serving (can be chilled overnight).
• Slice with a thin, sharp knife to serve.