We were having a discussion at dinner about “Some things are not what you think they are.” and Dionne remembered a favorite from the 60’s.  She sent me the recipe.  Low and behold, one the internet I found. “One of the trendiest desserts of the moment is a humble creation of Ritz crackers, pecans, and Cool Whip. A regional favorite dish in Appalachia, it’s called the Ritz Torte, and the recent recipe shared on TikTok by Justin McElroy (@hoopsmcelroy) has been viewed more than 2 million times.”

Ingredients:

• 20 Ritz crackers, crushed (Use a plastic bag, then you can add the nuts, baking powder and vanilla to the bag to mix.  One less bowl to wash!)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 c nuts chopped (walnuts or pecans).
• 3 egg whites
• 1 c sugar
• 1 c cream, whipped  (or cheat with Cool Whip, but it won’t be as good.)
• shredded chocolate

Diretions:

1. Preheat oven 350°.
2. Combine crushed crackers, baking powder vanilla and nuts.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff.  (Newer recipe says “In a mixer, combine the egg whites and beat. You’re just mixing, don’t whip into a meringue. Add in sugar and continue to beat until thick and creamy, but no peaks.”)
4. Add sugar, gradually and beat well.
5. Fold in crumb mixture.
6. Spread mixture in an oiled 8 inch cake pan. (or 8×8 pan)
7. Bake for 30 min at 350°.
8. Cool.
9. Top with shipped cream.
10. Sprinkle with shredded chocolaate.
11. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

Serves:  6-8

Source:  Dionne Moseley, Vi at Highlands Ranch