I want to make the Date, Dried Cherry and Chocolate Nut Torte from Deborah Madison's

[barbara-in-va]

Local Flavors--of course to bring to a friend's for dinner tonight! The recipe calls for 1/4 C brandy which I have no trouble using, however my friend does not drink and I am not sure what to substitute it with. What would you suggest? apple juice, simple syrup, water, orange juice.......http://www.grouprecipes.com/64319/date-dried-cherry-chocolate-torte.html

 

[melissa-dallas]

I'd just use more water, or perhaps orange juice since the recipe calls for orange zest.

I'm very fond of orange/chocolate combo. My only thought with soaking the cherries with the o.j. Is that they might not taste much like cherries anymore.

 

[barbara-in-va]

Thanks Melissa, I went for the OJ because, like you said, it already had zest in it....

It is in the oven right now, licking the beater was delicious! My concern is about the baking soda, you sprinkle the soda over the bowl of cherries and dates, then pour on the boiling water and OJ. When I did that it foamed up I guess from the acid in the OJ. Will that spoil the rise of the cake when baking? Guess I will find out!

 

[melissa-dallas]

No, it was supposed to foam up. That is how soda acts as a leavener.

 

[melissa-dallas]

So how did your torte turn out?

 

[barbara-in-va]

Melissa, I think it was just fine, it seemed to rise properly and was deliciously chocolaty. I will

definitely make it again. I served it with whipped cream and a few drops of Fiori di Sicilia (from King Arthur) to carry on the orange theme. Thanks for your help!