Nice Simple Torte

1 cup granulated sugar (3/4 cup if using graham crackers)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 egg whites (4 if eggs are small)
11 2-inch graham crackers or 16 Ritz crackers, well crushed (see Note)
1 cup finely chopped nuts (plus more for garnish, optional)

Mix sugar and baking powder.

Beat egg whites until almost stiff but not dry. Still beating, gradually add sugar mixture to eggs. Fold in nuts and cracker crumbs. Pour into well-greased pie pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Cool. You may want to gently crush down the middle of the torte if it has not formed a good space for a filling.

Notes: The type of cracker makes a big difference in taste and color. Grahams give a hearty feel and sweeter taste. Different nuts vary the taste. Substituting 1/2 cup coconut for 1/2 cup of the nuts is a good variation, especially with graham crackers.

Fill with what you want, perhaps a thin layer of jam and then whipped cream, perhaps just whipped cream with chocolate shavings and/or chopped nuts for garnish, then chill for at least 3 hours to allow filling to bond with the torte. Or simply cool the torte and serve with ice cream and a bit of sauce.