Pistachio Chocolate Torte

A decadent chocolate and coffee flavored torte laced with chopped pistachios and covered with a rich chocolate glaze.

Recipe Ingredients:

Cake:
2 tablespoons strong coffee*
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup shelled pistachio nuts, finely chopped

Chocolate Glaze:
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon water
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Directions:

1. For Cake: Combine coffee, chocolate and butter over low heat until melted; cool. Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt 10 minutes on medium-high speed; gradually blend in cooled chocolate mixture.
2. Combine flour and finely chopped pistachios; carefully fold into chocolate batter. Spread in greased and cocoa or flour-dusted 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Spread top and sides with Chocolate Glaze; sprinkle coarsely chopped pistachios around top edge of torte. Chill.
4. For Chocolate Glaze: Combine light corn syrup with butter. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in chopped semi-sweet chocolate, water and cinnamon. Makes 1/2 cup.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

*For quick strong coffee combine 2 tablespoons warm water and 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee.

Recipe provided courtesy of the California Pistachio Commission.