Flourless Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Torte

Serves 8-9; Makes one 9-inch cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blanched hazelnuts
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (at least 60% cacao)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 eggs, separated
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa

Steps: 

1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment.
2. Finely grind the hazelnuts in a food processor until they reach a coarse, sandy consistency.
3. Either in the microwave or in a double boiler over hot water, melt the chocolate with the oil and butter, stirring together to form a homogenous mixture. Set aside in a warm place.
4. With a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt to soft peaks and set aside.
5. Switch to the paddle attachment and, in a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, sugars, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.
6.  Reduce the speed of the mixer to low and add the chocolate and butter mixture, then the cocoa powder. Fold in the whipped egg whites until smooth.
7. Pour into a greased and parchment-lined 9-inch springform pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, just until a wooden skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

From "10 Things You Need To Eat"

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