Chocolate Tarts

Recipe by: Judith Choate, Jacques Torres | from Jacques Torres' A Year in Chocolate: 80 Recipes for Holidays and Special Occasions

Cookstr

Course: Dessert

Total Time: Under 4 Hours

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Steve Pool

These sophisticated little tarts can be made with any pastry, but I particularly like the combination of rich chocolate and tasty nut pastry. You can decorate them any way you like. They are delicious with just a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of nuts, but you can take them to new heights with some fanciful chocolate decorations nestled into the whipped cream.

Yield: Makes 6

INGREDIENTS

For the nut pastry tart shells:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds
1½ tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cold unsalted butter
2 large egg yolks, beaten
2 teaspoons ice water, if needed

For the chocolate filling:

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 cup heavy cream
2½ tablespoons honey
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
6 baked Nut Pastry tart shells (recipe follows)
Whipped cream for garnish, optional
Candied orange zest or chopped toasted nuts for garnish, optional

Directions

To make the tart shells:

Combine the flour, nuts, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Using a fork, cut in the butter to just blend. Stir in the egg yolks, mixing with the fork just until the dough comes together. If necessary, add ice water, a few drops at a time.

Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic film. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled.

When ready to roll out, lightly flour a clean, flat work surface.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly butter six 4-inch round fluted tart pans with a removable bottom.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place it on the lightly floured surface and, using a rolling pin, roll out to a circle about 1/8 inch thick.

Using a plain or fluted 5-inch round cutter, cut 6 dough circles. Working with one at a time, fit a pastry round into each tart shell, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Work carefully, as the dough is a bit fragile. If it breaks, just push it together with your fingertips. Even the edge of the pastry with the rim of the pan.

Place the tart shells on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and place on wire racks to cool until ready to fill.

To make the chocolate filling:

Place the chocolate and grated orange zest in a heatproof mixing bowl. Set aside.

Combine the cream and honey in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Heat just until bubbles form around the edge of the pan. Immediately remove from the heat and pour half of the mixture over the chocolate. Let stand for 30 seconds and then whisk to blend. Add the remaining hot cream and again let stand for 30 seconds. Then beat until smooth. Add the butter and beat to blend.

Pour an equal portion of the chocolate mixture into each tart shell, carefully smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Transfer to the refrigerator and let chill for at least 1½ hours or up to 6 hours before serving.

Serve chilled, garnished with candied orange zest or chopped nuts and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information does not include optional whipped cream, candied orange zest or chopped toasted nuts for garnish.

Calories 673kcal (34%)

Calcium 69mg (7%)

Vitamin C 2mg (3%)

Vitamin A 287mcg RAE (10%)

Potassium 300mg

Magnesium 74mg

Protein 9g

Sugar 31g