Chocolate Torte

Healthy dessert?  Usually this is an oxymoron, except in this case.  This decadently rich chocolate cake takes advantage of the anti-oxidant power of dark chocolate, is full of healthy fats, and boasts significant protein.  And if that is not enough, with very little sugar and no grains or legumes, this dessert will not cause your blood sugar to sky-rocket.

Chocolate Torte 

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar
• 5 tbsp melted grass-fed butter or virgin coconut oil

Filling:

• 400 g solid dark chocolate, 73% cocoa content or higher
• 1 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1 cup raw cacao powder
• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon, cayenne powder, or grated fresh ginger
• 6 pastured eggs

Glaze:

• 100 g solid dark chocolate, 73% cocoa content or higher
• 3 tbsp grass fed butter, or virgin coconut oil
• 1tbsp coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350° F.
• Grease the sides and bottom of a 9″ spring form pan with coconut oil.
• In a medium bowl melt the butter or coconut oil for the crust.
• Add the ground almonds, cacao, and coconut sugar.  Mix well.
• Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the spring form pan.
• Place a pot on the stove with a little water in the bottom (about 1″) and set it to boil.  Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer.
• Place a metal or glass mixing bowl over the pot and melt the chocolate, coconut oil and honey.
• Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly, but not solidify.
• Stir in the cacao powder and the optional seasoning.  Stir until smooth.
• Add the eggs, on at a time, mixing well after each one.
• Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 30 minutes or until the center is firm.
• Cool for 1 hour.
• Melt the remaining chocolate, butter, milk, and vanilla in the same manner as for the batter.
• Remove the sides from the spring form pan.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cake.
• Decorate with fresh raspberries, sliced almonds, mandarin orange slices, or fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy!

Jennifer