Chocolate-Prune Flourless Torte

This recipe provides the phytonutrients of prunes and the antioxidant and cardioprotective power of chocolate!  And it is sinfully delicious!!!

Ingredients: to make half the recipe, use half the ingredients  :-)

• 2 cups of prunes: boil in a small amount of water and mash them with a utensil (or mechanical blender) until they are ultrasmooth (soaking the prunes first helps to soften)
• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 cups of Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa (chocolate) powder
• 1 cup dark chocolate (semi-sweet chips or shavings)

Combine above ingredients in pan over medium heat; melt & stir ingredients until smooth

• 8 large eggs
• 4 teaspoons vanilla

Whip eggs and vanilla to a froth (the eggs act as a leavening agent); slowly add chocolate prune mixture to eggs while stirring.  Make sure to add just a little warm mixture at first to ensure the eggs won't cook :).  Add egg & chocolate prune mixture to 9" springform pan.  Fill pan about 2/3 full - it will puff up slightly while cooking.  Bake at 350 degrees for ~45 minutes.  (I am not good at timing so just make sure to check with toothpick or knife; be careful, the torte is fragile :)  Remove from oven and cool.  Add grenache and enjoy!

Grenache:

• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate (I use 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips and 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1 cup whipping cream

Bring whipping cream to boil and immediately remove from heat; stir in chocolate until melted and smooth.  Cool to room temperature and pour over torte.  Cool and serve.

Serving Recommendations:

• Top with fresh berries and / or frozen yogurt

Health Benefits of This Meal:

• This dish is absolutely loaded with antioxidants--from the prunes and from the chocolate!