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Lidia Bastianich's Almond and Chocolate Tart

Nathan Congleton / TODAY
Servings:
8-10
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Chef notes

This is a deliciously moist chocolate dessert that is easy to make and keeps well for several days! The crackly, flourless top gives way to a rich, fudge-like interior when you slice into it.

Ingredients

  • cups sliced blanched almonds, toasted
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
  • 2 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 orange, zested
  • 2 tablespoons rum or amaro
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Powdered sugar, for garnish

Preparation

1.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.

In a food processor, grind the almonds until they are fine but not clumpy. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter, and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs. Coat the bottom and sides of the pan with the breadcrumbs and tap out any excess.

3.

Combine the chocolate and 1 stick of butter in a double boiler set over simmering water and melt over low heat. Stir to combine and let cool slightly.

4.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar at medium-high speed until thick and pale gold in color, about 2 minutes. Beat in the orange zest, the rum (or Amaro), the vanilla and the salt. At low speed, beat in the cooled chocolate mixture just until smooth. Fold in the ground almonds.

5.

In the mixer, use a clean bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and remaining 1/4 cup sugar to stiff peaks. Stir a third of the whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest. Spread into the prepared pan and bake until the top is firm and crackly (a toothpick will come out with some thick batter still on it), about 35-40 minutes.

6.

Let the cake cool on a rack for 5 minutes, run a knife around the edge to loosen it and take it out of its mold. Serve it in slices sprinkled with powdered sugar.

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