Double Chocolate-Cherry Torte

 

2

packages (8 oz each) semisweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

1

cup butter or margarine

6

eggs

8

oz white chocolate baking squares, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 1/2

cups whipping cream

4

oz cream cheese (from 8-oz package), softened

1

can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

1/4

teaspoon almond extract

2

tablespoons amaretto

• 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. In 3-quart saucepan, melt semisweet chocolate and butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Cool 30 minutes.
• 2 In medium bowl, beat eggs with electric mixer on high speed about 5 minutes or until about triple in volume. Using rubber spatula, fold eggs into cooled chocolate mixture. Pour into springform pan.
• 3 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edge is set but center is still soft and jiggles slightly when moved. Cool completely in pan, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate 1 hour 30 minutes.
• 4 In medium microwavable bowl, place white chocolate and 2 tablespoons of the whipping cream. Microwave uncovered on High 20 to 40 seconds, stirring after 20 seconds, until chocolate is melted. Stir until well blended. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in white chocolate mixture until smooth. Add 1 cup of the pie filling; beat on medium speed until well blended and cherries are broken up.
• 5 In chilled medium bowl, beat remaining whipping cream and almond extract on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in cherry-chocolate mixture until well blended. Spread over semisweet chocolate layer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 48 hours.
• 6 In small bowl, stir remaining pie filling and liqueur until well blended. Remove side of pan. Cut torte into wedges; place on individual dessert plates. Top individual servings with cherry sauce.