1/2 lb Bittersweet chocolate
   1/2 lb Unsalted butter
     1 tb Instant espresso powder
   3/4 c  Granulated sugar
   3/4 c  Dark cocoa powder
     6    Eggs; slightly beaten
     2 c  Toasted ground pecans
   1/4 c  Dark rum
   1/2 ts Cinnamon
   1/2 c  Confectioners’ sugar
          Freshly whipped cream; for
          -garnish
          Fresh mint sprigs; for
          -garnish
 In a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water, heat the chocolate,
 butter, and espresso powder until melted. Remove the bowl from the
 heat. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and hazelnuts and mix well.
 Stir in the rum and cinnamon. Pour the batter into a well-greased
 9″ cake pan. Bake in a standard oven at 350? or in a convection
 oven at 325? for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the
 center of the torte comes out clean. Cool 5 to 10 minutes, then turn
 the torte onto a plate and let cool completely. Dust the torte with
 the confectioners’ sugar. To serve, cut the torte into slices and top
 each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprig of
 fresh mint.
                 
                 Yields       
                12 servings