Hazelnut And Chocolate Layer Cake (Hungarian Esterhazy Torte)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the layers:
   Beat egg whites with salt until foamy.
2. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff and glossy.
3. Gently fold in ground hazelnuts and flour.

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4. Bake layers:
   Spread batter into 4–5 thin circles on parchment.
5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

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6. Prepare cream:
   Heat milk in a saucepan.
7. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar.
8. Slowly add hot milk while stirring, then return to heat and cook until thick.
9. Let cool, then beat in butter, vanilla, and rum.

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10. Assemble:
    Layer nut discs with cream and stack evenly.
11. Spread remaining cream around the sides.

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Drizzle melted chocolate in lines, then drag a toothpick across to create the classic pattern.

Decorate:
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a smooth glaze and spread on top.