Date, Chocolate & Almond Torte - Gluten free

Yesterday we went for lunch to Kim's house, & I was in charge of the dessert. I made this torte, which is dreadfully easy to make & is always impressive. The funny things is, people think you are brilliant for making such a work of art! It is served with a thick cream & I always make a raspberry coulis to go with it.

Date, Chocolate & Almond Torte.

250 gm unpeeled almonds.
250 gm dark cooking chocolate.
250 gm chopped dates.
6 large egg whites.
½ cup castor sugar.

1. Chop almonds & chocolate into chunky pieces in a food processor.
2. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt & gradually add the sugar.
3. Fold in the almonds, dates & chocolate.
4. Pour into a greased & lined 23 cm tin & cook in a pre-heated 180o oven for 45 minutes.
5. Open door slightly & allow it to cool in the oven.
6. Turn on to a plate & refrigerate overnight.
7. Whip ½ pint of cream with castor sugar & brandy to taste.

This cake will keep in the fridge, undecorated, for several days.