Recipe(tried): Pistachio Torte (with Walnuts, Cream Cheese)

Recipe(tried): pistachio torte
Posted By: M. O'Reilly, Alaska
Date: March 23rd 2000
In Reply to:Recipe(tried): ISO: pistachio salad? desert?
Board: TKL Cooking Club

This is a wonderful recipe that should satisfy a craving
for pistachios. I've made it often to take to work and
pistachio lovers always want the recipe.

PISTACHIO TORTE

Crust:
1 1/2 c flour
1 stick margarine plus 2 tbsp, softened
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 c chopped walnuts or pistachios
Mix well, press into bottom of an ungreased 9x13 pan;
bake at 350 for 15 min. Cool.

First Layer:
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/3 c powdered sugar
1/2 of a 9 oz container Cool Whip
Mix cheese and sugar till smooth, then gently blend in
Cool Whip. Spread over crust.

Second Layer:
2 small packages pistachio pudding, instant
2 1/2 c milk
Beat together till smooth, using whisk or mixer. Spread
over cream cheese layer.

Topping: Spread the remaining 1/2 of the Cool Whip
over the top. Sprinkle with chopped maraschino
cherries and chopped nuts. Refrigerate.
I always use low-fat milk and non-fat Cool Whip, which
doesn't seem to affect the overall taste.