Name: Chocolate Torte with Calvados-Poached Figs
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 1/2 hours
Yield: Makes 10 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan; 1 cup superfine sugar, divided, plus more for pan; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1 1/2 cups blanched hazelnuts; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 large eggs, separated; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 2/3 cup Calvados (apple brandy); 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups dried black Mission figs or pitted prunes (about 8 ounces), halved if large

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Chocolate Torte with Calvados-Poached FigsHirsheimer & Hamilton

Cook the figs until just softened: Overcooking or intense boiling will render them tough instead of lush.

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