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Chocolate Cakes

A Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette

By Denise Pare-Watson

My absolutely most favourite holiday is coming up – Valentine’s Day.  I am simply an incurable romantic.  Valentine’s Day gives me all kinds of reasons to get creative with desserts for two.  This year, I have developed a rather whimsical  Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry. The torte has a deliciously chocolate flavour because it uses both bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate to create a rich and dense dessert that can only be described as memorable.  This little torte would also be an excellent choice for an anniversary celebration or for a chocoholic’s birthday. 

To take this little torte over the top, I made a tasty garnish that is like edible paper.  I often made this garnish when competing in dessert competitions because it is somewhat unusual. It is easy to make and delicious to nibble on.  It is a very delicate yet striking garnish.  For this torte, the feuillette garnish is constructed on the topping while the ganache is still soft.   As the ganache sets up, it secures the edible paper in place, creating a crown of sorts.  Try this Sweetheart Chocolate Torte together with the Feuillette of Chocolate or Strawberry – it is unforgettable.

Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry | urbnspice.com

The torte is not difficult to make but does require three distinct steps:  the chocolate pastry; the bittersweet chocolate filling and finally, the shiny semi-sweet chocolate ganache topping.  The torte is lovely with just the shiny ganache topping but can be gorgeous with a simple baby rose or two on top, or you can make the feuillette of chocolate or strawberry (the recipe is included below).

A Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry

Yield:  one 5 – 6-inch torte

INGREDIENTS:

The Chocolate Pastry:

  • ½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (10 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons (26 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 egg

The Chocolate Filling:

  • 8 oz. (226 g) bittersweet chocolate
  • ½ cup (125 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brandy 

The Chocolate Ganache Glaze:

  • 8 oz. (226 g) semisweet chocolate
  • ½ cup (125 ml) heavy whipping cream

METHOD:

For the Chocolate Pastry:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350oF.  Set the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare the 5 or 6-inch springform pan by greasing the bottom and the sides. Cut a circle of parchment for the bottom and strips of parchment for the sides of the springform pan.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.  Work in the butter. 
  4. Beat the egg with a fork and work into the mixture.  Press the mixture into the prepared spring form pan.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the pastry is set.  Cool the pastry in the pan while you are preparing the filling.  The filling is placed on top of the cooled chocolate pastry crust. 

For the Chocolate Filling:

  1. Cut the bittersweet chocolate into small pieces and place them into a medium-size bowl. 
  2. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan.  Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt before stirring with a spatula until smooth.
  3. Cover and leave at room temperature until the mixture starts to set (it should be about the consistency of toothpaste).  This will take about 30 minutes, depending on the room temperature. 
  4. Using a mixer with a paddle or a whisk attachment, beat the chocolate mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add the vanilla and the brandy and beat to incorporate.
  5. Spread the filling over the cooled chocolate pastry.  Using an offset spatula, level the top of the filling.  Refrigerate the torte for at least one hour.  Remove from the refrigerator when you are ready to prepare the glaze.
  6. Remove the cake from the springform pan, peeling the parchment paper from the sides and bottom of the torte. Place the torte on a cookie rack over a baking sheet.  Prepare the glaze.

For the Chocolate Ganache Glaze:

  1. Cut the semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it in a medium size bowl. 
  2. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan.  Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt before stirring with a spatula until smooth.
  3. Pour the glaze over the torte; making sure that the entire cake is covered.
Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry | urbnspice.com

The Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry

While it is not essential to garnish the cake with the feuillette, I think that you would enjoy the experience of making this unique garnish.  You will need a scale to make the paste.  The chocolate feuillette paste is made using cocoa powder.  I made the strawberry feuillette paste using a powder made from pulverizing dried strawberries in my coffee grinder (I used my food dehydrator to dry thinly sliced strawberries, which took about two hours to dry to a crisp in my dehydrator).  The subsequent strawberry paste made from this powder is delightfully tasty!  Take care not to over bake the strawberry feuillette as they will lose their delicate pink hue.  I did not use any food colouring in my paste recipe, however, you can add a drop or two of pink or red food colouring to achieve the desired colour.

Dried Strawberry Slices | urbnspice.com
Dried Strawberry slices are pulverized into a powder to make the paste
Strawberry Feuillette Paste | urbnspice.com
A closeup of the feuillet of strawberry

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 21 g all-purpose flour
  • 77 g icing sugar
  • 12 g cocoa powder or strawberry powder
  • 20 ml water
  • 32 g butter, unsalted, melted

METHOD:

  1. Sift the dry ingredients together.
  2. Gradually add the water, then the melted butter.  Stir to combine into a smooth paste.
  3. Spread the paste in a thin layer on Silpat baking mats using an offset spatula.  Start from the bottom of the feuillet and spread upwards.  The bottom will be slightly thicker spreading to a thin imprecise ‘schmear’ (pastry chef slang).
  4. Bake in a 350oF (325oF Convection) for 5 – 6 minutes.  The feuillette will look bubbly and will not have any moist spots. They will crisp up as they cool.
  5. Allow the feuillette to come to room temperature.  Using an offset spatula, slide it under the thickest edge of each feuillet, and slide upwards to lift it gently from the Silpat baking sheet.  Place the feuillette gently on a cookie rack until you are ready to decorate the torte.  CHEF TIP:  These garnishes are very fragile, light and almost see-through delicate.  Make as many as you need at a time (make a few extra to allow for breakage).  Store any unused paste in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Bring the paste to room temperature before using.
  6. To Decorate:  Decorate the torte with feuillette while the glaze is still moist.  Place the feuillette randomly on top, alternating between the chocolate and the strawberry feuillette, setting the next feuillet to hold up the previous one.  If you have a few dried strawberries remaining, decorate the sides of the cake, if desired.  Allow the ganache topping to set at room temperature.  CHEF TIP:  The chocolate torte (and any chocolate cake) is best served room temperature.  The feuillette are best used the day that you make them.  They will remain crisp and papery when decorated close to the time that you serve the cake.
  7. Refrigerate any leftovers. 

Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry | urbnspice.com

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my Urb’n’Spice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

  • Parchment Paper
  • Favourite Kitchen Tools: Spatula
  • Extracts: Vanilla Extract
  • Cutting Tarts and Cakes
  • Oven Temperature Accuracy
    __________

You Might Also Enjoy these Urb’n’Spice recipes:

An Irresistible Valentine

Silky Strawberry Balsamic Soup with Yogurt Drizzle

Decadent Dark Chocolate Tarte

Raspberry Mini Cheesecakes

A Unique Cheesecake: Double Chocolate Raspberry Torte Cheesecake with Chocolate Pecan Crust

White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Mini Cheesecakes with Gluten Free Crust

Lavender Rose Mini Cheesecakes

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

If you try my recipe for Sweetheart Chocolate Torte with Feuillette of Chocolate and Strawberry, please leave me a comment below with your feedback. Tag me @urbnspice on Instagram and hashtag #urbnspice  Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urb’n’Spice Chef

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
License Type:Commercial
License Abstract:You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Baking Techniques, Cakes, Chocolate, Dessert Garnish, Food Fun, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes Tagged With: Birthday Cakes, Cakes, Chocolate, Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Desserts, Valentine's Day

Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte – Gluten Free, Grain Free, Refined Sugar Free

By Denise Pare-Watson

Chocolate possesses a number of interesting technical properties not dissimilar from wine. The region, the surrounding vegetation and the soil are some of the key factors in the character of the cocoa bean and the overall taste of the chocolate. The origin of the Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte recipe is not clear but what is clear is that the quality of the chocolate significantly influences the result. For the purposes of this article, I have taken the vintage Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte recipe and re-developed it so that it is suitable for gluten-free, refined sugar-free and grain-free dietary options.  It is a great make-ahead cake and one that will feed a crowd.

Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte plated with cherry syrup reduction and softly whipped cream | urbnspice.com

Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte plated with cherry syrup reduction and softly whipped cream

Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte – Gluten Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Grain Free

Equipment:  9 – 10″ x 2” high Spring Form pan with removable bottom
…

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Cakes and Cupcakes, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!, Desserts and Sweets, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, My Recipes, Refined Sugar Free Recipes, Vintage Recipes Tagged With: Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Desserts, Dairy Free Recipes, Dark Chocolate, Gluten Free Desserts, Grain Free Desserts, Refined Sugar Free

A Unique Cheesecake

By Denise Pare-Watson

I love a challenge.  When asked to create a recipe for a cheesecake competition that was required to be A Unique Cheesecake, included chocolate as an ingredient and one that could be used as a showstopper dessert – I was in!   Creating dessert recipes is something that I am always up for.  How could I resist?   This recipe has been adapted from my book, “Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious” – Cakes. I am very pleased with the results.

A Unique Cheesecake: Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake | urbnspice.com

Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake 

The reason this cheesecake recipe is unique is that this cheesecake features a baked ganache. It also includes just a touch of flour, not typically found in cheesecakes. The addition of the flour results in a cheesecake that has a silky texture unlike any I have ever had. It was such a beauty to cut into gorgeous clean-edged portions, as well.

This recipe is a winner in our household. It also did very well in the cheesecake competition.  It will be a showstopper in your house, as well.

…

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2016-2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Cakes, Cheesecakes, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!, Desserts and Sweets Tagged With: Cakes, Cheesecakes, Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Desserts, Dark Chocolate, Individual Desserts

A Sneak Peek at Volume Four – Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts

By Denise Pare-Watson

Here is a little more information about Volume Four in the UrbnSpice Chocolate Desserts Cookbook Series called, Chocolate Desserts Made Easy and Delicious – Volume 4  – Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts!  This is a book chock full of gluten-free chocolate recipes.

Quadruple Chocolate Brownie - Gluten Free | urbnspice.com

Quadruple Chocolate Brownie – Gluten Free

This book was awesome to create a final addition to my cookbook series.  I actually had not planned on writing a fourth book.  This book was created because of the many requests that I received from readers who wondered if I could also write a gluten-free dessert book.  I am so glad that I did!  This is definitely a book all about Gluten-Free Desserts.

I have taken the most popular recipes from the first three volumes and recreated the recipes into gluten-free chocolate desserts.  Here are just a few of the items that you can expect to see in this book:

There are:

  • Fourteen recipes for Chocolate Gluten Free Cookies, including the famous Ultimate Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie;

Chocolate Pecan Cookies | urbnspice.com

Chocolate Pecan Cookies and Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Cookies from the cookbook series

  • Five recipes for Chocolate Gluten Free Brownies & Squares, including UrbnSpice’s Quadruple Chocolate Gluten Free Brownies;

Quadruple Chocolate Brownies | urbnspice.com

From the Cookbook Series: Gluten and Gluten-Free Quadruple Chocolate Brownies

  • Twelve Recipes for Chocolate Gluten Free Cakes, including Milk Chocolate Torte with Almond Praline Layer;  your search for gluten-free chocolate cakes is answered.

    Milk Chocolate Almond Torte with Praline Layer Crust from Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts | urbnspice.com

    Milk Chocolate Almond Torte with Praline Layer Crust from Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts

  • Eleven Recipes for Chocolate Gluten Free Tarts & Tartlets, including White Chocolate and Lemon Curd Tart;

    White Chocolate Lemon Curd Tart | urbnspice.com

    White Chocolate Lemon Curd Tart from Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts Cookbook | urbnspice.com

  • Fourteen Recipes for Bases and Crusts Recipes section that you will need to make my recipes.  These include rolled crusts, pressed-in crusts for those of you who have the ‘fear of crusts’ dilemma, and crumb crusts – all gluten-free!  Many readers have asked me for gluten-free pie crusts and tart crusts – I have got you covered.  There are even recipes for Graham Wafer Gluten Free Crust and Vanilla Gluten Free Wafer Cookies.  This was a gluten-free item that I knew was difficult to find in the grocery store so I created a recipe for you!  They are delicious on their own as a cookie and ideal as a crust for the recipes in the book.

    Graham Wafer Gluten Free Cookies | urbnspice.com

    Graham Wafer Gluten Free Cookies

Vanilla Gluten Free Wafers a recipe from Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts | urbnspice.com

Vanilla Gluten Free Wafers

  • I have also provided an entire section on Fillings, Toppings & Sauces, to complete your chocolate desserts.  These include How to Make a Raspberry Coulis, White and Dark Chocolate Sauces, Cookie and Cake Fillings, and even a custom Spice Blend.

Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts

Here are a few additional photos from UrbnSpice’s Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts Cookbook:

Quadruple Chocolate Brownies | urbnspice.com

From the Cookbook Series: Gluten and Gluten-Free Quadruple Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate Macaroon Medley | urbnspice.com

Chocolate Macaroon Medley – gluten free

Gluten Free Chocolate Caramel Molten Cake | urbnspice.com

Gluten Free Chocolate Caramel Molten Cake

Gluten Free Chocolate Souffle | urbnspice.com

Gluten Free Chocolate Souffle

There are so many more photographs to show you in the book and just a little bit of space.

I am very excited to share the following recipes with you.  If you have tried any of the recipes on my site, please let me know.  The Urbnspice Chef wants to hear from you!  Here are a few of the Gluten Free Chocolate Dessert recipes for you to try:

White Chocolate and Lemon Curd Tart – an elegant dessert

Milk Chocolate Torte with Almond Praline Crust

If you have a copy of my Gluten Free Chocolate Desserts book, please leave me a comment or a review on Amazon.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Chocolate, Desserts and Sweets, Dietary Restrictions, Gluten Free Recipes Tagged With: Chocolate, Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Desserts, Gluten Free Desserts, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate

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Meet Denise – The Urbnspice Chef

Welcome to Urbnspice - A Taste of Heart and Home. Inspiration in my kitchen is often a trip to the market or an experimental coincidence! Come and join me on this culinary journey where I share my passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession and unravel culinary quandaries for you with fun and easy to follow user-friendly recipes, tips & techniques.
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