California Creamy Boysenberry Torte

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Coat buttered sides with 1 tablespoon ground almonds. In a medium bowl or food processor, cream 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of the flour and 1 1/2 cups of the chopped almonds and mix thoroughly. Pat mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Spread cream cheese over nut crust to within 112 inch from edge. Spread jam over cream cheese.

In a large bowl of an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat eggs, remaining 1/2 cup sugar and almond extract until very thick and pale lemon color, 4 to 5 minutes. Mixture should triple in volume and form a ribbon that holds shape for a few seconds when beaters are lifted. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup flour and remaining 1/2 cup almonds one third at a time over batter while gently folding with a rubber spatula just until flour is incorporated.

Stir about 1 cup of the batter into the melted butter. Gently fold butter mixture into batter just until blended. Pour over jam layer and spread to edge of pan. Arrange whole almonds decoratively on top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and a pick inserted 1/2inch deep near the center comes out clean. Cool completely. Remove springform. Dust top with powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Note: To roast almonds, place whole raw almonds on a dry baking pan. Bake at 350 oF for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool and chop with a knife, or pulse in a food processor until finely chopped.

Recipe and Photo Credit: California Milk Advisory Board