Orange Chocolate Torte: Recipe for B.E.D.

I created this recipe for a Kentucky Derby event I catered awhile back for a client who was practicing a way of eating, called The Body Ecology Diet (B.E.D). There were going to be many people at this event and my client asked me to make a dessert that everyone could enjoy; including her.

I set about the task of creating this recipe …. a chocolate torte with a touch of orange …. and one that would be delicious for all while still being B.E.D.-friendly. Excellent, one of my favorite things to do!

What I came up with is a dessert that is most suitable for an occasional treat on Stage 2 of B.E.D. or for anyone who is in the early stages of transitioning into the diet. I ended up making six tortes and not one person noticed how nutrient-dense and nutritious they were. In fact, I got lots of praises and was asked for the recipe. Happy to report that my client was happy sitting there eating her warm piece of torte. 

If you are a fan of food combining, like I am, then know that this dessert goes fairly well with animal protein. It does contain orange that I think are cooked down enough to remove the fructose sugar that would cause stomach upset. I am real sensitive and tolerated this torte just fine while healing on stage 2. I love mine with a dollop of cultured creme fraiche 😉

This recipe is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, grain, flour, and refined sugar.

Spiced Orange Chocolate Torte: B.E.D. Recipe (stage 2)

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 Valencia orange, quarter, seed – leave peel on (equals about 3/4 cup puree)

½ cup coconut oil or red palm oil (buy sustainable), melted

4 eggs, separated

1/3-1/2 cup Lakanto or xylitol*

½ cup cocoa or carob powder

1/2 tsp each of coriander, cardamom, and ginger powder

¼ tsp sea salt

Pinch of cream of tartar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
3. Simmer orange pieces (peel and all) in water to cover for 1 hour; drain and puree the oranges in a blender until smooth.
4. Whisk the cocoa and melted fat together in a mixing bowl.
5. Add in the egg yolks, orange puree, lakanto, spices, and salt until creamy.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold a third of the egg whites into the orange-chocolate mixture, then add another third,  and so on.
8. Pour batter into greased pan and bake until set and top starts to crack; about 45-50 minutes.
9. Let cool before removing from the pan.
10. Garnish with sprig of fresh mint and sprinkling of cocoa or fine ground lakanto.
11. Delicious served with creme fraiche or body ecology’s whipped cream ?

Tips & Tricks

• Replace the red palm oil with cultured butter if you can do dairy.
• I have tried this with coconut sugar and it came out great, though not suitable for B.E.D. it was still perfect for a friends birthday.
• This is a real treat for those on GAPS or transitioning into B.E.D (or at end of stage 2).
• Combines okay with meat, not great, but okay. We’re all at different stages in our healing and this is one of those recipes to use your good judgment with.

*If you decide to use xylitol, then do not add salt as it already has a slightly salty taste to it. Xylitol is a sugar substitute mainly for diabetics and those healing a yeast or bacterial overgrowth. Touted as the ‘new sugar’, xylitol does have side effects if it is genetically modified; because this messes with the body’s ability to digest it.  So, unless the label says ‘made from birch, beets, or non-GMO’ then assume it is derived from genetically modified corn.

Resources

Bauman, E. and Marx, L. (2012). Flavors of Health. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College Press

My Favorite Supplements on Body Ecology Diet (B.E.D.)

Grocery List for B.E.D. (stage 2)

Nutritional B.E.D. Support (via phone/Skype)

May all bellies be happy!