Schreiner's Restaurant Ritz Nut Torte

Source: Schreiner's Restaurant, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

3 ounces coarsely crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts plus finely
    chopped walnuts for garnish (divided)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped with vanilla
    extract and powdered sugar to taste

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix crackers, 1/2 cup of the nuts and baking powder.

Beat egg white and gradually add sugar. Beat until very stiff. Fold into cracker mixture and spread into a buttered 9-inch pie pan.

Bake in preheated oven 45 minutes or until done. Cool torte after baking. When cooled, top with sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with remaining finely chopped walnuts. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Variation: To make Chocolate Ritz Torte, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to crushed crackers. Substitute unsweetened chocolate shavings for crushed nuts.