Elmo's Sacher Dream Torte

This is a little something I made up while waiting out the recent "Elmo" snowstorm. It is a variation on the traditional sacher torte, but from everybody's reaction , probably a good variation. It will take awhile to make, so plan to have some time for prep.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 1 Torte

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced very thin
• 1  cup  strawberry pie filling
• 1⁄4 cup  strawberry jam
• 2  cups  dark chocolate cake mix
• 2  cups  imported dark chocolate, chopped
• 8  ounces white chocolate
• 8  ounces cream cheese
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 4  tablespoons sugar
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄4 cup  oil
• 1⁄4 cup  strawberry liqueur
• 8  ounces unsalted butter, thawed

Directions

1. Cakes:
2. Mix the cake mix per directions. I added a bit more oil and 1 less egg.
3. than called for on the box ( 2 eggs per my recipe). Cook for 24 minutes,.
4. in two 9 inch round cake pans. I used Bakers Pride cook spray in the pans.
5. Cool on racks for 5 to 10 minutes and remove to flat surface to finish cooling.
6. I cover the cakes with a clean kitchen towel so they stay moist.
7. When cool , slice in half diameter-wise so you have four 9 inch diameter cake layers about 1 inch thick.
8. Hint: I used a thin plastic cutting board to section and move the slices.
9. Strawberry jelly filling.
10. Blend on high the cup of filling, the jelly and the cordial liquor in a bowl.
11. Blend until smooth and any large fruit is thoroughly homogenized.
12. refrigerate until needed.
13. Strawberry creme filling:
14. In the microwave melt the white chocolate, on high for 30 secsonds.
15. Repeat and stir between melting intervals. DO NOT cook for longer than 30 seconds at a time or risk burning the chocolate. You could also double boiler melt the chocolate as alternate method.
16. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream, save the rest for the outside frosting grenache.
17. Slowly add the creme cheese and 1 half of the strawberry filling and jelly to medium mix/blending.
18. Add 2 tablespoons sugar to the mix.
19. Blend for 5-10 minutes or until very creamy and uniform.
20. Refrigerate immediatly.
21. Chocolate grenache frosting.
22. Using the microwave as stated before, melt the entire 2 cups of dark chocolate until totally melted. Add 1/2 -3/4 cup heavy cream.
23. Add the butter and mix/blend on high until creamy.
24. Do not refrigerate. You need this pliable to spead on the outside of the cake.
25. Assemble the layers :
26. first lay one cake layer on serving dish and covering first with.
27. Strawberry creme mix .
28. Next, lay another layer of cake on top and layer this with the strawberry jelly mix and then add another layer of cake on top.
29. Use the thin plastic cutting board to help position the layers, sliding the layers over and neatly on top .
30. Finish layering the third level with the strawberry creme mix and add the final layer on top.
31. Using a wide spatula , layer the entire ouside of the cake in the dark chocolate grenache mix. Go slowly and do not try to spread too.
32. aggresively. When covered and smooth, top with a white chocolate or vanilla frosting "S" in the middle, and or drizzle melted white chocolate on edges as I did.
33. Serves 8-10 very happy chocolate lovers.