APPLES & ORANGES TORTE

Steps:

• 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• 2. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with removable bottom with cooking spray. Set aside.
• 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, shortening, and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
• 4. Sift flour, soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. With mixer on low speed, gradually beat dry ingredients into first mixture until well mixed. Fold in apples and pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
• 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched and center tests done with a toothpick. Remove from oven. Cool completely.
• 6. While cake is baking make curd by whisking together eggs, egg yolk, sugar, orange juice, zest, and salt in a 1-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in diced butter.
• 7. Cook over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring often. Remove from heat. Pour into a small plastic bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until chilled.
• 8. For frosting, in a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla on low speed until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar. Fold in whipped topping.
• 9. Remove outer ring of pan from cake. Place cake, still on pan bottom, on a large cake plate. Spread top with chilled curd. Pipe or spread frosting on curd. Sprinkle with pecans. Chill for 1 hour. Garnish with apple slice. Cut torte into wedges to serve. Serves 12.