Espresso-Praline Torte

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 225ºF. Cover 3 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper or heavy brown paper.
• 2

  Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Beat in 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high speed; continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Shape meringue into three 8-inch circles with back of spoon, building up sides on parchment paper.
• 3

  Bake 1 hour. Turn oven off and leave meringues in oven with door closed 1 hour. Finish cooling at room temperature. Remove from paper to wire rack with spatula.
• 4

  Prepare Almond Praline.
• 5

  Beat whipping cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, the espresso and almond extract in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons praline for garnish. Fold remaining praline into whipped cream.
• 6

  Stack meringues, spreading whipped cream mixture between layers and over top. Sprinkle with reserved praline. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 12 hours. Cover and refrigerate any remaining torte after serving.