Thursday, February 5, 2009

Persimmon-Walnut Torta Claudia À la mode....& a sweet interlude !


My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.

I am on the 12-step chocoholics program: I am never more than 12 steps away from chocolate!



Smile! Yes thats what I am doing as I write this post. I am not a quitter...I will NOT give up chocolate ever. Add chocolate to almost anything and it turns out superb. (I am solely referring to chocolate in the sweet form, please.) This cake is a twist to the old fashioned Italian torte.

My first experiment with persimmon was a grand success and so I decided to include this exotic fruit in a cake, till this wonderful recipe almost serendipitiously fell in my lap.

Now my hub's colleagues all know about my madness in the kitchen, the love of food and the enthusiasm I have for my blog. So one kind soul passed me a recipe which she had read somehwere about this gorgeous torte. As usual the creative devil (or angel?!) in me changed it a bit here and a little there to make this famous torte...my way!
Quite in time for the anniversary of my marriage registration last year. :)


A layer of spiced persimmon torte sandwhiched between two chocolate cake layers with luscious smooth chantilly and a kiss of rum/brandy.

It takes about an hour to prepare this classic creamy layered torte and it tastes best when chilled for atleast four hours.




This torte carries a special meaning for two reasons. First, its exclusivley for my hub...the love of my life. I can't thank God enough for His match making skills. ;p Second, I had promised myself that I would create new things that I have never tried before at the onset of 2009. And I for one keep my promises. (wink wink)


As promised this cake turned out great and it was an extremely satisfying experince baking it. Its been only a couple of months since the last cake I made exclusivley for my darling...and I am very happy at the result.



I used plain walnut-chocolate chip pound cake instead of the Pan di Spagna which is quite similar to Genoise. It's a simple cake whose major function is to serve as a base for layer cakes, roll cakes and so on. Its characteristic is in that it uses bakers' yeast, which I have conveniently traded for chemical leaveners like baking powder/baking soda (found in self raising flour). I also added ground walnuts to give it a rich flavour.

For the persimmon layer I used the fruits' puree as well as chunks, for the surprise in the mouth. And ofcourse I added extra chocolate chips in all the layers. :)



Persimmon Torta Claudia À la mode
Ingredients-

For the chocolate walnut layers-(two 8" layers)
1 1/2 cup self raising flour
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1 1/3 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
butter for greasing the pan
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup softened butter

For the persimmon layer-(one 8" cake)
1/2 cup persimmon puree
a few chunks of chopped persimmon(optional)
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup self raising flour
1/3 cup sugar (adjust according to tartness of persimmon, mine were very sweet)
2 eggs, separated
1 tbsp softened butter
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamom powder
1 tsp rum (optional)

*A couple tablespoons of Brandy/dessert wine (eg.Marsala from Sicily)


Chantilly-
1 cup of whipping cream
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp of icing sugar
a dash of vanilla extract

**Mix all of the above and whip till the cream becomes frothy. Refrigerate.





Method-

For the chocolate walnut layers-
Preheat your oven to 375 F (185 C).

Beat the yolks, butter and sugar until the mixture is pale yellow, light, and has expanded considerably in volume (tripled or more).
Whip the whites to firm peaks. Fold them into the yolks, and then fold the flour,cocoa powder, ground walnuts and the vanilla.
Finally, add the chocolate chips.
Grease and flour a fairly high-sided round 8-inch pan. Bake for about 40 minutes or until done (a toothpick inserted will come out dry, and the cake will pull away from the sides of the pan).
Turn the cake out onto a rack to cool.

For the persimmon layer-
Preheat your oven to 375 F (185 C).

Sieve the flour with the nutmeg and cinnamon.
Beat the yolks with the sugar and butter till creamy and pale yellow. Add the rum. Add the flour mix. Then add the persimmon puree and mix lightly together.
Beat the egg whites till they form soft peaks. Fold in the whites into the yolk-flour mix.
Finally add the chocolate chips and the persimmon chunks.
Bake for approx. 30 minutes, keep a check till done. Let cool once done.

For Assembly-

Begin by cutting the chocolate cake once , so as to get two discs.
Place one of the discs on the serving plate/table top. Sprinkle with a little brandy/dessert wine.
Spread a layer of the whipped cream on top of it.
Place the persimmon layer next. Sprinkle this, too with some brandy.
Then spread the whipped cream over it. Cover everything with the last chocolate layer, pressing gently so it sticks.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 4 hours.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour the remaining chantilly over the top of the cake. Decorate with walnut halves. Chill.

Serve this delight and fascinate yourself and others! :)





This is in honour of the celebration of love....our love, this valentine month. I share this recipe with The Alchemist Chef.

Also, in keeping with the 'nuttiness' I also share this with Aquadaze.


An Interlude---

Friends, I am off to Malaysia for a week, to celebrate with my valentine. Hence, will not be here on the blogosphere, wanted you guys to remember me with something sweet...so this post. :)

(I secretly hope that I will be missed...ok I know its not a secret now !) ;p

Keep smiling and do share your views. Will be back soon. :)

54 comments:

  1. Moist and delicious, fabulous recipe!! I love Persimmons, so yummy to eat! :))

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  2. I love changing recipes to my taste, and this looks delicious! Where is the recipe?

    Also, I got your award, didn't forget about it, I got some more, so hopefully these days I'll post about them and give them out to other foodies! :)

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  3. Cake looks yummy delicious. Join the club i am the bigges chocolate addict i know in this whole world :-)

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  4. Wow Navita you are really into baking with a lot of fruits aren't you....this one like your other bakes looks fantastic.....

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  5. Navita, that looks insanely good! Have a great time on your vacation! Bring back delicious pictures :)

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  6. Hey thanks guys...guess what I write my posts directly on the 'New Post' here on my blog..(no Word doc..silly me!)..was packing while writing this post in between all the hustle-bustle; and accidentally I clicked on the 'Publish Post' button instead of the 'Save Draft' one...lol...hence all you guys saw the pictures with hardly any written content...lollll

    Love ur comments they are so precious, u have no clue!...u guys are simply awesome..and this only proves the fact that a picture is worth a 1000 words. :)

    Take care and catch u guys later!

    Take Care.

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  7. Have great time in Malaysia! Love the two little heart in plate they re simply superb! Of course ur cake is outstanding

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  8. Thats a lovely post :) Cake looks fabulous! Enjoy your trip..

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  9. Wow,Malaysia is definintely a great choice..I love the place..perfect for you both..
    And this cake is wonderful as well
    Real dedication is what all your posts are..
    hats off dear

    Have a great time and happy valentine's Day in Advance

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  10. Happy Anniversary! What can I say the cake looks beautiful. Unlike dragon fruit, Persimmon I have tasted :)

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  11. Navita, persimmons are one of my favourite fruits (pity they aren't so readily available).

    You took much care in baking and posting how to make the cake, thanks for sharing.

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  12. Give up chocolate, never. This looks delicious.

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  13. Awesome cake!!u r a hard working ccok..:D..Lovely..:)
    trail back for an award..:)

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  14. Quite a lovely dessert for the anniversary! ;) Yummy!

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  15. I think my comment got eaten...uh oh. Yummy looking cake!

    Have a great time in Malaysia! I've never been but know someone who's from there.

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  16. Looks simply delightful Navita - and enjoy Malaysia!

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  17. HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH YOUR VALENTINE.Yes,you will be missed,but its all for a good cause ;)Come back with more recipes and excellent posts

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  18. An enticing combo. Don't ever give up on that chocolate love :)

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  19. This is so pretty, have a great trip!

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  20. have a great hol! and thanks for the uber lovely entry :))

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  21. Holy Cow. That looks awesome and sounds incredibly decadent. I never ever ever could give up on choclate either, might as well give up air.

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  22. I love the stencils on the plate- this sounds divine! When do you head out? At least you'll be near me while you are there.. hehe

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  23. thats a fantastic recipe..looks so delicious..

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  24. THis sounds amazing!! Love the layers of different flavours. yum yum!

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  25. A gorgeous dessert oh and I love your program 12 steps can I join ;0)

    Rosie x

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  26. I absolutely love the way you incorporate tropical fruits into your baking. What an inspiration!

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  27. how lovely!!! have fun with your valentine vacation with your hubby... :)

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  28. Have a great vacay Navita! What an awesome cake! Remember to bring us some wonderful pictures of Malaysia and Happy Valentines!

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  29. this looks delish. Send over a slice?

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  30. i am the no one chocoholic in my family..love your cake..

    chk out the roundup of cooking for kids event

    http://preetyskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/02/cooking-for-kids-milk-products-roundup.html

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  31. fantastic deco and cute cake.. cant resist atlest i can take the half at a time.

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  32. I think there was a problem with submitting my comment. Here it is again. This really looks lovely and very good use of persimmons in baking. I have never tried to bake with persimmons, but they are one of my favorite fruits. Have a great time during your vacation!

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  33. Give up on chocolate :( My life would be over lol. Your cake looks so moist and delicious. Love it!

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  34. wow! looks yummy n delicious!
    Microwave oven series is going on!
    join with us in the EFM-Microwave Oven Series!
    presentation is very nice!
    i love all the shots!

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  35. Persimmon and chocolate? I never would have thought of that. Well done!

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  36. I have something for u in my blog. Pls accept!

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  37. I'd like a slice of your lovely torte.

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  38. Love those hearts & love your enthusiasm:-) Lovely recipe as usual..

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  39. Exquisite recipe and ingredients! I love persimmon, and a great pairing with the chocolate. Very delicious!

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  40. Such a gorgeous cake!! I hope your having a lovely vacation!!

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  41. Have a wonderful Valentine week! That torte is to die for! I love it!

    I moved! Come visit me at www.aduckinherpond.com.

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  42. Navita, your torta sounds intriguing, and it looks very pretty!

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  43. Looks so delicious, Persimmons and chocolate? that's divine!
    Cheers,
    Elra

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  44. Wow lovely. its new to me, will try soon. Enjoy Malaysia.

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  45. That looks gorgeous and I am sure it is delicious! I have not had many persimmons before, but I bet they would be awesome in a pastry like this!

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  46. dont worry you are not alone :-) if you need someone to help you by with chocolate im yours hehehehe, would love to eat this with you :-) im in love with your creation!!

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  47. dont worry dear you are not alone, if you need help with anything chocolate im here :-) if you need someone to eat this , im here hehehe im just in love with your creation! beautiful and delicious

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  48. The preparation looks awesome....

    The hearts in the plate.... brilliant.. ;-)

    Fell for you chocoholic line and have used it here

    TheVariable-nachiketa.blogspot.com

    Chocoholic

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Thank You for taking out the time to put your thoughts into words. It is appreciated. Hope I am able to keep you involved, intrigued and happy with this blog. Your views are welcome.