Ingredients with Measurements:
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- For the filling:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans for blind baking
Step-by-step instructions:
For the crust:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water.
4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.
6. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
9. Transfer the dough to the tart pan and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
10. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
11. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is set.
12. Let the crust cool completely before filling.
For the filling:
1. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla to the mascarpone and beat until well combined.
4. Fold in the whipped cream until no streaks remain.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the filling and use a toothpick to swirl it into the filling.
7. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
- Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
5. Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 440
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a mocha flavor.
- Top the tart with fresh berries or whipped cream before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter for the crust is chilled and cut into small pieces for the best texture.
- Don't overwork the dough when kneading it or rolling it out, as this can make it tough.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the melted chocolate into the filling for a marbled effect.
Storage instructions:
- Store the tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Serve the tart cold, straight from the refrigerator.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the tart with cocoa powder before serving.
- Cut the tart into wedges and serve on a platter with fresh berries.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Cocoa powder
Pairings:
- Coffee or espresso
- Red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
Suggested side dishes:
- None needed, as this tart is a dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust shrinks during baking, it may not have been chilled long enough or rolled out thin enough.
- If the filling is too thin, it may not have been beaten enough or the mascarpone may have been too soft.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the tart promptly after making it to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Tarts have been a popular dessert in Europe since the Middle Ages, and chocolate tarts have been a favorite since the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Rich, chocolatey crust with a creamy, tangy mascarpone filling and a hint of sweetness from the powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tart as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.
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