Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2
Using a food processor:
Insert metal blade. Place egg yolks and sugar in work bowl and process for 60 seconds. Add nuts and chocolate pieces, and process 5 seconds. Add apples, cut into quarters, and pulse 3 or 4 times. Add cake meal and process 5 seconds.
3
Beat egg whites until stiff with an electric mixer. Fold into chocolate batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before removing sides of pan.
4
Conventional method: In step 2, beat together egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer. Chop together nuts and apples and combine with egg yolks. Add cake meal and fold in chocolate pieces. Proceed to step 3
5
For frosting:
Melt chocolate and butter in a 2 cup saucepan over medium heat (or use microwave). Remove from heat and add sugar, grape juice (brandy) and 2 tablespoons hot water. Beat together until shiny and thick. Use immediately, or refrigerate and reheat.
(frosts a 10 inch torte)