Name: Chocolate Chestnut Torte with Chocolate Cognac Mousse
Cook time: 1 3/4 hr
Total time: 5 hr
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter; 16 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped; 6 marrons glacés (candied chestnuts), finely chopped; 9 oz bottled whole shelled roasted chestnuts (1 1/2 cups); 2 cups cake flour (not self-rising); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3/4 cup sour cream; 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 8 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped; 5 tablespoons Cognac; 3/4 cup chilled heavy cream; 2 large egg whites; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; Garnish: caramelized chestnuts; 3 (8-inch) round cake pans; an 8-inch round of cardboard, covered with foil if not wax-coated

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Confectionery Sweets Torte and Wedding Cake

Chocolate Chestnut Torte with Chocolate Cognac MousseQuentin Bacon

We liked this particular recipe with Lindt or Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate, which is around 50 percent cocoa solids. We tested the ganache with chocolate containing a higher percentage, and found the flavor too intense and the consistency less velvety.

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

Cooks' notes:

• Cake layers can be made 3 days ahead, cooled completely, then chilled, individually wrapped well in plastic wrap. • Ganache can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Let stand at room temperature 2 to 3 hours to soften to a spreadable consistency. • Torte can be assembled 2 days ahead and chilled, covered with a cake dome. • The egg whites in this recipe are not cooked. If salmonella is a problem in your area, you can use reconstituted powdered egg whites such as Just Whites.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.