Apricot Torte

A luscious, moist torte topped with warmed apricot glaze; sliced almonds and powdered sugar. Delicious! 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Sunnyland Sliced Almonds, plus extra 1/4 cup for garnish
• Margarine, for pan
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for pan
• 8 oz Sunnyland Dried Apricots
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 8 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• Powdered Sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Place nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until golden and aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the pans halfway through toasting to make sure nuts brown evenly. Set aside to cool.

2. Grease a 10-inch spring-form pan with margarine, sprinkle with sugar, and tap out excess; set aside. Place 1/4 cup sugar, 8 oz almonds and the apricots in the bowl of a food processor; process until finely chopped, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl, add lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and stir to combine; set aside. Using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer batter to large bowl; set aside.

3. Clean and dry the mixer bowl and whisk; use to beat the egg whites with salt and lemon juice until frothy. Slowly add 1/4 cup sugar, and continue whisking on medium until peaks are stiff but not dry. Fold beaten whites into beaten egg yolks. Add the apricot-and-almond mixture, and fold in until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake until torte is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. It may be necessary to cover the torte lightly with foil to stop the top from burning. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the torte, and release from pan. Allow to cool completely on the wire rack.

4. Place the apricot jam in a small saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and strain. Brush glaze onto cooled torte. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and Powdered Sugar.

5. Yield: 1 10-inch cake.

Notes:

Recipe and Picture from marthastewart.com