Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Chocolate Caramel Tart



Martha Stewart Living

Makes one 9-inch tart

    Chocolate Pate Sucree                                          
    1 cup chop pecans                                              
    1 cup sugar                                                    
    1/4 teaspoon salt                                              
    1/4 cup water                                                  
    1 1/2 cups heavy cream                                         
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temp                        
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract                                     
    6 ounces bittersweet chocolate fine chop                       
    Cocoa powder for dusting 
                                      

Preheat oven to 350". Roll chocolate pate sucree 1/8-inch thick, and fit into a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Dock bottom of tart with a fork. Refrigerate the shell for 30 minutes.

Place the chopped pecans on a baking sheet, and toast until slightly darkened and fragrant, about 10 minutes; set aside.

Line tart shell with parchment paper, pressing into edges, and cover with dried beans or pie weights. Place on a baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes. Remove paper and beans, and continue baking until crust is golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the caramel by placing sugar, salt and water in a small saucepan.  Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.  Wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystals from forming.  Cook, gently swirling papn (do not stir), until the caramel is a rich amber color.  Remove from heat, and add 1/2 cup cream, butter, and vanilla; stir until smooth. Pour mixture into chocolate tart shell.

Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the caramel, and place in the refrigerator while melting the chocolate.

Place chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Bring remaining cup of cream to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over the chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes; stir until completely smooth. Pour over caramel and buts; return tart to refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.

To serve, dust the top of the tart with cocoa powder, if desired. Garnish with caramel-dipped pecans, if desired.

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