The Black Forest Cherry Torte

A German chocolate flavored sponge cake
soaked with Kirschwasser (a cherry Schnapps) and layered with
Black Forest Morello cherries ( or just a good sour cherry) and whipped cream,
then topped with more whipped cream, cherries and
shaved chocolate.

As a German-American I crave to know about my German ancestry,also
the background of each German classic dish.
It always seems to taste better

The more I study the Black Forest, the more I dig deeper.

I hope what I share now wets your appetite to delve in to make
a Black Forest Cherry Torte, because it is not that hard.

If you want to make an easier one try the
Black Forest Cherry Lava Cake. It is only a few ingredients,
and you can make individual little ones, even in your air fryer, and top with a nice
Cherry sauce spiked with cherry brandy (or Kirschwasser).

You don't have to stop at the torte, you can
make a Black Forest parfait, cupcake, crepe, cheesecake or whatever your imagination
can come up with.

Is one of the most popular cakes in Germany and also around the world.

While no one knows explicitly when, or whom came up with the idea
of chocolate cake with cherries, cherry Schnapps and whipped cream,

But we have a pretty good idea of where, because the Black Forest
is known for their Morello Cherries, that are nicely balanced with a sweet but tart
rich flavor.
They were introduced centuries ago by the Romans because the climate of the
Black Forest was perfect. They have continued to thrive and become a trademark
of the Black Forest is the Colorless, double distilled Cherry Schnapps,

On the other hand there are 2 men that claim to have invented the cake.

Here is one that my friend Renate went to and sent me a picture

Renate Helm holding up an article I wrote at
Cafe Shaefer, eating a piece of original
Black Forest Cherry Torte

This is Claus Schaefer who whose father August apprenticed Under Josef Keller who allegedly invented the Black Forest Cherry Torte In 1915. He operated his father's cafe up until 2020, serving the original recipe which he owns the handwritten copy, that was handed down by Josef Keller.

Read more about the History of the
Black Forest Cherry Torte here

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Going Back Deep in the

History
and
Mysterys
of the
Black Forest

Der Schwartzwald

The dense trees of the Black Forest blocked out the sunlight,
and packed with dark fog
had the eeriness that spawned myths and legends.

There are many sources that tell of the legends, fairy tales and mystery, that probably at least have a colonel of truth in them, You just need to enter a few keywords or check out books. 1000's of years ago, nestled in the southwestern corner of Germany, there existed a wilderness known as the Black Forest. It was a land of mystery and legends, shrouded in dense forests that blocked out much of the sunlight, giving it a dark and foreboding atmosphere. For centuries, this ancient forest was home to resilient and proud people who had weathered the storms of war, devastation, and disease. The Celts were among the first to dwell in the area before the Romans came. Their Celtic Allies named them "Germani" which meant "Men of the Forest" The Celts had a rich culture, but never recorded much. What we know is mostly written by the Romans when they encountered the Celts in the Black Forest. They said they were barbaric, and had many rituals including human sacrifice.   The Brothers' Grimm in the Black Forest    Two extraordinary brothers embarked on a remarkable quest. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, not ordinary storytellers, but intrepid cultural researchers and lexicographers, sought to capture the whispers of ancient tales that danced upon the lips of secluded villagers. It was an era when stories thrived in the realm of spoken word, passed down through generations like sacred treasures. The Brothers Grimm, recognizing the fading echoes of these enchanting narratives, set forth to immortalize them, not as their own creations, but as guardians of a word-of-mouth history. Like daring adventurers, they journeyed through the winding paths and towering trees of the Black Forest, spanning a hundred miles of enchantment. Village by village, they ventured, their quills poised to capture the essence of the stories shared by the forest's inhabitants.   Their purpose was not to spin fiction, but to preserve the living tapestry of secluded peoples, nestled in the embrace of a mountainous and dense realm. These tales were the lifeblood of their culture, carrying the echoes of forgotten voices, the wisdom of the ages, and the dreams of those long secluded from the wider world. With painstaking devotion, the Brothers Grimm transcribed the tales, striving to capture every nuance and whisper, ensuring that the voices of the forest dwellers would be heard for generations to come. They wove together a collection of over seventy stories, their pen strokes etching the very soul of the Black Forest into the annals of history. And so, the Brothers Grimm, not mere authors, but humble scribes and custodians of folklore, immortalized the captivating narratives of the Black Forest. They preserved the essence of a bygone era, where truth and imagination intertwined, where the power of words echoed through mist-laden trees, and where the whispers of secluded peoples became timeless treasures for all to cherish. left - Hansel and Gretel Little Red Riding Hood       The Morello Cherry The rich history of these folk tales, that blend mystery, the darker side and good winning in the end, are so much a part of our DNA, that I hope this dessert is a good symbol of that; Black and White Sweet and Tart Cherries Lots of Fresh Whipped Cream with Chocolate Shavings.   Morello Cherries   The Romans brought the Morello Cherry trees to the area during their occupation, because the climate in the area was perfect, the Morello Cherry holds great importance in the Black Forest region. The Black Forest is renowned for its lush and bountiful orchards, and the Morello Cherry, specifically, has become an iconic fruit associated with the area. The Morello Cherry, also known as the Schwarze Sauerkirsche in German, is a tart cherry variety that thrives in the fertile soil and favorable climate of the Black Forest. It is characterized by its dark red to almost black skin and rich, tangy flavor.   The Morello Cherry has been cultivated in the region for centuries and has become a staple ingredient in many traditional Black Forest dishes and specialties. It is a key component in the famous Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, which is a decadent chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and Morello cherries soaked in Kirsch, a cherry-based liqueur. The Black Forest Keeps it's Old World Craftsmen, Music, Farming, and Festivals Alive The Black Forest remained untouched by industrialization, with only the introduction of railroads marking the encroachment of the modern world. Yet, the people flourished as farmers, loggers, and master artisans. Their craftsmanship in wood carving, clock making, glassblowing, music box creation, and hat making garnered worldwide acclaim.      The warmth of hospitality emanated from the inns and guest houses that dotted the region. Travelers reveled in the cleanliness, delectable food, and genuine curiosity of the forest people. The residents greeted strangers with open arms, eager to learn of the wider world beyond their trees. Seguin's book painted a vivid picture of a bygone era, capturing the essence of a community grounded in tradition, hard work, and self-sufficiency.      As time passed, the Black Forest evolved, impacted by global forces of change. Yet, the people remained deeply connected to their    cultural heritage. Tourism became a significant economic driver, allowing visitors to experience the richness of Black Forest culture. From bustling urban areas offering thermal spa baths and modern amenities to smaller villages untouched by heavy tourism, the forest opened its arms to those seeking an authentic encounter.     In these quieter corners, visitors discovered a world steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Artisans, with generations of experience, breathed life into their woodcarvings, infusing each piece with precision and pride. Quaint hostels and inns offered not just nourishment for the body but also a taste of the genuine Black Forest experience. The renowned Black Forest Cake, with its luscious blend of fresh black cherries, whipped cream, and dark chocolate, beckoned discerning palates. And within the heart of these villages, the age-old traditions of clock making persevered, with each intricately carved cuckoo clock crafted by hand, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Black Forest. The Bollenhut The Bollenhut traditional hat of much of the Black Forest area is the inspiration for the cherries on top of the Black Forest Cherry Torte In the Black Forest, the Bollenhut is a traditional hat that holds cultural significance and is closely associated with the folklore and traditions of the region. It is a distinctive headdress that is part of the traditional costume, known as Trachten, worn by women and girls during special occasions and festivals. The Bollenhut is characterized by its unique design, featuring a wide brim adorned with large woolen pompoms, known as "bollen," which are usually red in color. The hat itself is typically black in color and is made of stiff straw, providing it with a sturdy and recognizable appearance. The number and placement of the pompoms on the Bollenhut hold specific meanings, particularly regarding the marital status of the wearer.   Unmarried girls usually wear hats with red pompoms all around the brim, while married women wear hats with red pompoms only on the back, with black pompoms or no pompoms at the front. The tradition of the Bollenhut dates back to the 18th century, and it is particularly associated with the villages of Gutach, Kirnbach, and Reichenbach in the Black Forest region. The Bollenhut has become an iconic symbol of the Black Forest, representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional customs of the area. During festivals and special events, you can often spot women and girls wearing the Bollenhut, as they proudly showcase their cultural identity and connection to the history of the Black Forest. The hat is not merely a fashion accessory; it holds deep cultural significance and serves as a cherished symbol of the region's folklore and traditional way of life.

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Black Forest Cherry Torte

This is a classic recipe that I made for my mother for her birthdays.

Soaked with great Kirschwasser

or Cherry Brandy

then oodles of Whipped Cream, with tart Cherries

and then
Sprinkled with a rainshower of chocolate shavings then bright red cherries to accent
the black and white with bright red. It is glorius to make and wonderful to eat,
getting better as the days go on.

This cake can look fancy, or it can be made simpler as well.

You can make smaller versions here, these fit in a small ramekin and baked in
the Air Fryer.

Go Here to make Black Forest Cherry Torte
with
Step by Step Pictures

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Black Forest Cherry Parfait

This is what you can do if you have left over Black Forest
Cherry Torte. DON't throw it away.
With more whipped cream and cherries, and Schnapps
in a nice wine glass or other dish it can be a
beautiful dessert a second time.

Go here to see how I make my
Black Forest Cherry Parfait

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Our Cookbook Special

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Black Forest Cherry Molten Lava Cake

This dessert is one of my favorites. It is so tender and moist like a souflee,
and undercooked a bit so the chocolate batter oozes out when cut.

The other flavor profile of a Black Forest Cherry Torte then is utilized,
to make this a great new way to present this classic!

It is deceptively easy to make,
This goes along with my last newsletters about
Making great Kuchen "On the Fly"

This dessert has only a few ingredients
and goes together quickly.

You have to make sure
you don't bake it too much or it solidifies.
Even then it is still moist and gooey so no matter
what it is a winner.

Go Here to make Black Forest Cherry Molten Lava Cake
with Step by Step Recipes

A fun Article about the Black Forest Cherry Torte in 1930

Written by Freda Whittaker who traveled with a class of middle school children
with their teacher around Germany during the Summer.

The description of the Black Forest Cake with large shards of chocolate for trees is down under the heading
Sweet Teeth

06 Jun 1930, Fri The Guardian (London, Greater London, England) Newspapers.co

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German Music

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Bonus Recipe CD with the Ebook and recipes with step by step pictures

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Biography of my grandma
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From Germany with Love tells the story of my grandma, Emma Block, growing up in a little town in Baden/ Würtemberg, Germany near Heidelberg named Steinsfurt. Then at the age of 15 immigrating to the United States, taking a train with one of her sisters and brothers to Hamburg and sailing the Atlantic with other hope filled Germans wanting to make a life in the "New World". It was not easy but with good values learned in her German upbringing made a full life, had a wonderful family with lots of fun and celebration including the great German meals.

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