The nutty flavor of walnut meringue floats atop layers of cloudy-soft cream and juicy red raspberries, not to mention its beautiful presentation that's sure to elicit oohs and aahs!

Rustic California Walnut Torte

Meringue:
2 cups California Walnut pieces, toasted
1 2/3 cups superfine sugar - divided use
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup large egg whites (about 7 large eggs), at room temperature
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Filling:
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, melted - divided use*
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries - divided use

Garnish:
1 cup shaved bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup California Walnuts, chopped

1. For Meringue: On parchment paper, trace three 7-inch circles leaving 1-inch space between. Arrange on large baking sheet; set aside.
2. In food processor, pulse walnuts, 2/3 cup sugar and cornstarch until it becomes a fine meal.
3. In medium bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form; slowly add remaining sugar until meringue holds stiff peaks. Fold in nut mixture. Using spatula, spread meringue evenly over each parchment circle.
4. Bake in 200°F (95°C) oven 2 hours. Turn off oven and leave meringues to cool completely.
5. For Filling: In medium bowl, beat cream and vanilla 5 minutes or until soft peaks form.
6. To Assemble: Gently arrange one meringue round on cake plate. Cover with 1/2 of melted chocolate; top with 1/3 of cream and 1 cup berries. Repeat with next layer. Top with last meringue and remaining cream. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate and chopped walnuts.

Makes 8 servings.

*To melt chocolate: In double boiler over low heat, heat chocolate stirring constantly, until melted.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of California Walnuts.