Simple solutions can give you the best results. Machines and gadgets are very important to many people, but I enjoy cooking when a simple whisk, spoon, or spatula does the job. This is the case with the Chocolate Torta recipe from my TV series George Hirsch Lifestyle episode, Old World Traditions. Enjoy.

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Mix by hand and bake. Forty-five minutes later you’ll be savoring this Italian Pastry delight!

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George's Chocolate Torta

Makes 12 servings

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1-1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup water

1/3 cup sweet butter, melted

1 egg, beaten

1 egg white, beaten into whole egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. Lightly grease a 9-inch cake pan and line with baking parchment paper; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cocoa and granulated sugar until blended. With a wire whisk, beat in water, then melt butter, egg, egg white, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. On a wire rack, cool for ten minutes in a pan. With a small spatula, loosen the cake from the sides of the pan. Remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Place on a plate and sprinkle with confectioner sugar and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. To serve, cut into small wedges.

Baking Tip:

This cake actually tastes better when baked and aged one day in advance. When making ahead, allow it to cool completely on a wire screen, then cover it tightly in an airproof container or place the baked chocolate torta back into the cake pan and wrap the top with film.

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This recipe is one of those cakes that gets better with age; meaning, it tastes even better the day after it is baked. You may not have access to Sag Harbor Rum for the simple syrup, so if you find yourself in a strange port, use a good quality rum.

George Hirsch Chocolate Pound Cake, Sag Harbor Rum Syrup

Chocolate Pound Cake

Makes one loaf

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sweet butter, room temperature

1 cup pure cane granulated sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder such as Droste

1/4 cup boiling hot water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a loaf pan with butter. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder into boiling water until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, mix cake flour with baking powder and salt.

Mix butter until softened at medium-high speed, about 1 - 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after adding each egg. Add vanilla, orange zest, and cocoa mixture. Add the flour mixture and mix only until combined.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake on a center rack in the oven for about 50 - 55 minutes or until done. To test doneness, the cake will spring back when touched lightly with the index finger.

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Slice pound cake, and serve soaked with rum simple syrup and with fresh whipped cream.

To make simple syrup:

1 cup water, 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup of Rum, and 1 orange, cut into quarters

Place all ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for five minutes. Remove and cool.