Chocolate Truffle Torte

(Chocolate or chocolate orange or chocolate mint flavor.)

(From Texas Coop Power, Dec 2005, I added orange var.)

crust:

6 T. butter, softened 1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. flour 1/3 c. cocoa

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

filling:

3 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips (melted)

1 1/2 c. heavy cream, room temperature

2 t. peppermint OR orange OR vanilla extract

garnishes (optional):

Mint or orange flavored whipped cream, mint leaves, chocolate mint candy, candy spearmint leaves or orange sections.

For crust: Beat butter and sugar until well blended. Add flour, cocoa and vanilla. Beat until crumbly. Press in bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.

For filling: In a glass bowl, melt chocolate over boiling water or with microwave and stir until smooth Add extract and cream and whisk until smooth. Pour chocolate mixture into crust. Chill at least 2 hours. Remove sides of pan (a hot towel wrapped around sides helps). Garnish as desired. Makes 8-10 servings.