Yes it really does serve ten, it is so rich!
By Mary Berry
Velvet Chocolate Torte
Prep Time: 30 minutes + 10 -15 minutes softening time
Serves: 10 People
Ingredients
For the torte
200g (7oz) Divine 70% Dark Chocolate
125g (4oz) caster sugar
8 tablespoons water
4 egg yolks
2 tablespoons brandy
600ml (1 pint) double cream
To decorate
A little icing sugar, sifted
12 large strawberries, sliced
A little single cream
50g grated Divine 70% Dark Chocolate (optional)
Cook's tips
If you do not have a spring-form tin, spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe shallow dish, cover with clingfilm, then freeze. After thawing for 20 mins the chocolate will be ready to spoon onto serving plates and be decorated with strawberries.
You can make half the quantity if you prefer, or simply cut off and thaw the amount you wish to serve and leave the rest in the freezer.
Method
Step 1
Oil an 8” loose-bottomed or spring-form tin and line with clingfilm
Step 2
Break the chocolate into sections and drop into a food processor. Process for 1 minute or until just a few pieces remain in the otherwise powdery chocolate. Alternatively, you can finely grate the chocolate.
Step 3
Pour in the sugar and 6 tbsps of water into a small pan and heat gently over a low heat, until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Turn up the heat and boil briskly for 3-4 mins till it becomes a thin syrup.
Step 5
Set the processor running and pour in the hot syrup through the funnel on to the chocolate so it melts and becomes liquid.
Step 6
Add 2 tbsps boiling water.
Step 7
Next, add the egg yolks and process for a few seconds before adding the brandy. If you are not using a processor, beat the ingredients together.
Step 8
In a separate bowl beat the cream to a soft floppy consistency then fold in the chocolate mixture. Spread in the prepared tin, leveling the top with the back of a spoon, then cover with clingfilm and transfer to the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours to freeze.
Step 9
To serve, remove from the freezer, release from tin and transfer to a plate. Decorate. Allow to soften a little and serve about 10-15 mins after coming out of the freezer.
