1. Preaheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9 inch springform pan. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of a food processor, process the sugar and almond paste until paste is crumbly and in small pieces. Add the butter and vanilla extract and process until the mixture is smooth.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated. Process until the mixture is smooth, this will take 2-3 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together. Sprinkle flour mixture over the almond and butter mixture. Pulse just until the flour is combined. Don't over mix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Smooth the batter and place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the torte springs back when lightly touched.

6. Cool torte on a cooling rack. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar and berries, if desired.

*Note-make sure you use a large food processor-9 cup or larger.