California Torte Recipes

Steps:

• Line a one-quart dish with plastic wrap.
• Place the garlic and cheeses in a food processor, and process.
• Add oil and thyme, and process again until well combined.
• Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture in the dish.
• Then spread the pesto over the cheese.
• Spread another 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the pesto.
• Next, layer with the chopped red peppers.
• Finish with the final layer of cheese.
• Cover and chill at least 2 hrs.
• When ready to serve, unmold onto serving plate and garnish with additional red pepper strips, and fresh herbs (thyme or basil) if desired.
• Serve with crackers or raw veggies.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brown ground beef with onion. Drain grease.
• Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, salsa, green chiles and taco seasoning to the meat and mix well.
• Tear tortillas into pieces and lay in bottom of 9x9-inch dish. Spoon 1/3 of emat sauce on top of tortillas and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese. Layer 2 more times with tortillas, meat sauce and cheese.
• Top with remaining Cheddar cheese, covering entire top.
• Bake 30-45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut a piece of wax or parchment paper to fit the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan. Coat pan with nonstick spray, place prepared paper round in bottom of pan, and spray paper. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup almonds.
• In a food processor, process remaining 1 1/2 cups almonds with 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar until finely ground; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. Beat in almond extract. In three additions, gently fold in ground almond mixture.
• Evenly spread batter into prepared pan, tapping pan on counter to expel large air bubbles. Bake until golden brown and firm in center, 40 to 45 minutes; cool completely in pan. Invert onto serving plate, and remove wax or parchment paper.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°. Line an 8" or 9" springform pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. Combine 1/3 cup sugar and flours in a bowl. Whip 1/3 cup sugar and egg yolks in another bowl with an electric mixer about 5 minutes. Beat in zest, oil, lemon juice, and orange juice. Fold in dry ingredients. Beat egg whites and salt in a third bowl with an electric mixer until frothy. Beat in remaining 1/3 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of egg-white mixture into batter. Fold in remaining egg white mixture in two parts, mixing well. Pour batter into pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; cool. Invert pan, remove parchment, and turn cake right side up onto a plate. Topping: Combine honey, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Add berries; mix. Spoon topping on cake, dust with sugar, and slice into eighths.