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

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.