White Chocolate Strawberry Torte

A decadent dessert that looks like it is hard to make but is fairly quick and easy to get together. The time doesn't include chilling time of at least 3 hours, so make sure to allow for that time. This would be a wonderful dessert for Valentines Day, Easter or Mothers Day when strawberries are fresh and in season!!! Recipe from Country Woman.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1  cup  vanilla wafer, crushed (about 30 wafers)
• 1⁄2 cup  almonds, toasted and finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup butter, melted
• 12  ounces  white baking chocolate, melted
• 3  cups strawberries, whole, medium (fresh, not frozen)
• 4  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup  orange juice concentrate
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2  cups heavy whipping cream
• 1  tablespoon  baking cocoa
•  additional strawberry, halved (about 10 but depends on size)

Directions

1. Set aside 2 tablespoons wafer crumbs.
2. Combine almonds, butter and remaining crumbs; press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-in. springform pan.
3. Spoon 5 tablespoons of melted white chocolate over crust; sprinkle with reserved wafer crumbs.
4. Arrange whole strawberries, tips up, over crumbs.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add sugar, juice concentrate and vanilla.
7. Beat in remaining white chocolate.
8. In another mixing bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form.
9. Stir 2 cups into the creamed cheese mixture; mix well.
10. Fold in remaining whipped cream.
11. Spread between and over strawberries.
12. Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight.
13. Carefully run a knife around sides of pan to loosen. Remove sides.
14. Arrange four 1-1/2-in.-wide strips of waxed paper over top; sprinkle cocoa between strips.
15. Remove waxed paper.
16. Place halved strawberries between cocoa rows.