Chocolate Custard Tarts with Orange Zest Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Special equipment needed:
- 6 individual tart pans
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add egg yolks and heavy cream, and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Divide the dough into 6 portions and press each portion into a tart pan. Prick the bottom of each crust with a fork and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Bake the tart crusts for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
6. In a saucepan, heat milk and chocolate chips over low heat until the chocolate is melted.
7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, salt, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
8. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
9. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps.
10. Pour the custard mixture into the cooled tart crusts.
11. Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set.
12. Let the tarts cool to room temperature before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 individual tarts

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted for almond milk or soy milk.
- Semisweet chocolate chips can be substituted for dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
- Orange zest can be substituted for lemon zest or lime zest.

Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur to the custard mixture for an extra kick of orange flavor.
- Top the tarts with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled before mixing it into the flour mixture.
- Chill the tart crusts before baking to prevent shrinking.
- Strain the custard mixture to ensure a smooth texture.

Storage instructions:
Store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tarts in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the tarts on a dessert plate with a dusting of cocoa powder and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Garnishes:
Top the tarts with whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings.

Pairings:
Pair the tarts with a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the tarts with a side of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tart crusts shrink during baking, press them back into shape while they're still warm.
- If the custard is not setting, bake the tarts for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to refrigerate the tarts if they're not being served immediately.

Food history:
Custard tarts have been a popular dessert in Europe since the Middle Ages. The addition of chocolate and orange zest adds a modern twist to this classic dessert.

Flavor profiles:
The tarts have a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of orange zest.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the tarts as a dessert after a dinner party or as a special treat for a weekend brunch.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Rich, Creamy, Chocolaty, Citrusy, Sweet, Zesty