Rosie Makes An Almond Torte.

I wanted to make something today that I usually don't make - dessert. I have a freezer full of various nuts, not unlike my home, and wanted to clean it out a bit, so I decided on an almond torte.

My ingredients: 2 cups sliced almonds 3/4 cup + 2 TB confectioner's sugar 4 large egg whites 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp almond extract

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. I cut out a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of an 8-inch cake pan. I buttered the pan and the parchment paper then sprinkled 1/2 cup almonds in the pan.

Spread out the almonds evenly.

I processed the remaining 1 1/2 cups of almonds.

Added in 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar and ...

... processed until finely ground.

I beat the 4 egg whites until ...

... soft peaks formed.

I added in the two tablespoons of confectioner's sugar...

... and beat until stiff peaks formed.

Then added in the almond extract.

Gently fold the ground almond mixture into the egg whites in 3 additions.

Pour into cake pan, tapping the pan to release any air bubbles.

Spread evenly.

I baked this for 40 minutes. The batter should pull away from the sides and lightly brown. Let cool in pan.

Then invert onto serving platter.

This is an extremely light, almost chewy torte. I liked the texture and the almond flavor. If you like almonds and Jergen's lotion, you'll love this.