Thursday 24 September 2015

Spiced chocolate torte with a fragrant note of Christmas

Yes, you read that correctly, the title does imply the word 'Christmas'. However, even though this recipe would be great to use for the Christmas season, it is perfect for any occasion. It is merely the combination of spices, chocolate and orange that reminds me of Christmas.

I developed this recipe for a date night and also to use up some of the excess goodies I had left over from the BBC Good Food Show. Before I get on with the recipe, I would just like to say a thank you to Lotus Biscoff for the samples. If you are not aware of this company feel free to look at what they have on offer- http://www.lotusbiscuits.co.uk/

Serves 6-8

Prep 30 mins

Ingredients

200g of Lotus biscuits
100g unsalted butter- melted
100g dark chocolate
100g milk chocolate
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp icing sugar
200ml whipping cream
Creme fraiche, a small tub
Zest and segments of an orange

Equipment

12 x 36 rectangular tin or a 25cm round tin. I recommend lining the tin with cling film, this makes it easier to take out.


Method
  1. Crush the Lotus biscuits until they resemble sand, combine with the melted butter. Press the mixture into your tin, pushing slightly up the sides; set aside in the fridge.
  2. Melt both the dark and milk chocolate. Whilst the chocolate is melting, whip up the cream until it forms soft peaks.
  3. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and sifted icing sugar. Fold in the whipped cream.
  4. Pour the mixture on top of your biscuit base; set aside in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Zest the orange and add to the creme fraiche. Then cut away the skin or the orange and cut out the segments.
  6. Once the torte has set, serve with the orange flavoured creme fraiche and orange segments- enjoy!
  7. If you are unsure of how to prepare the orange, here is a helpful video: 





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