Minted Chocolate Torte - Master recipes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening -
• 1-1/3 cups sugar, divided -
• 2-1/4 cups cake flour -
• 3 teaspoons baking powder -
• 1/2 teaspoon salt -
• 1 cup 2% milk -
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract -
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped -
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature -
• FILLING/TOPPING: -
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped -
• 1/4 cup butter -
• 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar -
• 3 tablespoons hot water -
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract -
• Dash salt -
• Frosting: -
• 2 cups whipped topping -
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract -
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract -
• 1 to 2 drops food coloring, optional -
• Mint Andes candies, chopped -