Name: Meringue, Chocolate, and Kirsch Cream Layer Cake
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: Vegetable oil for greasing; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 5 large egg whites, at room temperature for 30 minutes; 3 oz almonds or hazelnuts, toasted (see cooks' note, below), chopped, and finely ground in a food processor (3/4 cup); 5 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon instant-coffee granules; 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream; 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar; 1 tablespoon kirsch or Cognac; Garnish: grated bittersweet chocolate or chocolate curls

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Creme Cream and Torte

Meringue, Chocolate, and Kirsch Cream Layer CakeRomulo Yanes

Schwarzwälder Torte

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling meringues)

Cooks' notes:

Toast nuts in a shallow baking pan in a 350°F oven until golden, 5 to 10 minutes. If using hazelnuts, rub off loose skins in a kitchen towel (don't worry about any skins that don't come off). Cool nuts completely. Chocolate-coated meringues can be made 1 day ahead and kept (once chocolate is set), layered between sheets of wax paper, in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.