Black-and-White Chocolate Torte

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake pans with shortening; lightly flour.

In 2-quart saucepan, cook unsweetened chocolate, butter and hot water over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes. In large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Add melted chocolate mixture, beating just until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Pour batter into pans.

Bake 30 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, mix granulated sugar, liqueur and 1 tablespoon water. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved; remove from heat. Cool completely.

In medium microwavable bowl, microwave 1/2 cup of the whipping cream and the white chocolate uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until mixture can be stirred smooth with whisk. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes or until cooled but not firm.

Cut each cake layer horizontally to make 2 layers. (Mark side of cake with toothpicks and cut with long, thin serrated knife.) Brush about 2 tablespoons coffee mixture over cut side of each layer; let stand 1 minute.

In large bowl, beat white chocolate mixture and remaining 3 cups whipping cream with electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on serving plate; spread with 1 cup whipped cream mixture to within 1/4 inch of edge. Top with another layer, cut side down; spread with 1 cup whipped cream mixture. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost side and top of cake with remaining whipped cream mixture. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.