Butter a 24cm springform tin and dust with flour. Preheat oven to 170C.

Beat yolks and sugar until thick. Gradually add the sieved or riced chestnuts and two-thirds of the rum. Mix well.

Beat the whites to snowy peaks, then fold in to the mixture with the ground almonds. Mix gently and pour into the prepared tin.

Bake for 10 minutes then reduce oven to 160C and bake for about 35 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle tests clean.· Remove outer ring of tin and allow torte to cool.

For the cream filling

Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in the coffee in a bowl over hot water. Stir once or twice until smooth. Cool without refrigeration to stop the filling from setting. When cool, gently combine with whipped cream.

Slice cake in half. Spread chocolate filling on one half and sandwich cake together. Refrigerate.

For the icing

Chop ingredients into small pieces and melt together in a bowl over hot water. Stir once or twice until smooth. Cool before using.

To finish

Melt the apricot jam with the remaining rum either over a gentle heat, stirring, or for 1 minute in the microwave. Spread over the cake and pour the icing slowly over the cake, allowing it to run down the sides.· Refrigerate until ready to serve. This cake needs plenty of whipped cream alongside.

This recipes is featured in the book, Autumn which is available now in all good bookstores RRP $34.95. To order direct call 1300 656 059 or visit www.smh.com.au/store