Chocolate Rain Forest Praline Torte Pt 1

Make the rain forest praline:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil and butter lightly. Set aside. In a small,
heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook the mixture
over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar
is dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sugar syrup to
a boil without stirring; cook the syrup until it caramelizes and turns an
amber color. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the toasted nuts,
stirring for about 1 minute. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking
sheet and allow it to cool completely.

Make the rain forest cocoa meringue round:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Line a
baking sheet with foil. Lightly butter the foil, dust with flour, and tap
off the excess. Using a small knife, trace one 9-inch circle on the baking
sheet.

2. In a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade, combine the
toasted Brazil nuts, cashews and 4 tablespoons of the sugar. Process for 30
to 40 seconds, until finely ground. Add the flour and cocoa powder and
pulse on and off 4 or 5 times, until well blended.

3. In a grease-free, 4 1/2-quart bowl of a heavy-duly electric mixer, using
the whip attachment. whip the whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add
the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and whip until the whites are shiny
and stiff but not dry.

4. Sprinkle the nut cocoa mixture over the beaten whites, and using a
rubber spatula, quickly fold the mixtures until just blended.

5. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a medium plain tip (such as Ateco #5) with
the mixture. Pipe a spiral pattern of the meringue, about 1/2-inch thick,
into the outlined circle on the baking sheet. If there are any holes, pipe
meringue into the spaces, then using a small offset metal spatula spread
the meringue evenly.

6. Bake the rounds for about 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.
Remove the baking sheet to a rack and let cool completely. Carefully, peel
the aluminum foil off the bottom of the meringue.

Make the chocolate curls:

1. Temper the chocolate according to the directions for tempering. Spread
the tempered chocolate onto a clean, dry counter or work surface. Before
the chocolate hardens, make the curls by holding a metal dough scraper or
4-inch metal spatula at a 45 degree angle and pushing away from you. The
chocolate will curl upon itself. Using a bamboo skewer gently lift the
curls onto a foil-lined baking sheet and set aside until ready to assemble
the torte.

Make the caramel rum syrup: