Makes: One 9-inch tart, enough for about 8 servings
Time: About 30 minutes with all the components prepared, plus time to chill
This tart is all about assembly. Whip up the components in advance and the rest comes together in no more than half an hour, with little effort. It’s the perfect solution for a dinner party, because you’re never stuck in the kitchen. Plus, it’s always well received.
1. Fill the tart crust with the pastry cream to ¼ inch from the top of the edge; smooth the surface as much as you can. Put it in the fridge or freezer until the surface of the cream chills and stiffens a bit. Use an oiled spatula to spread the glaze over the surface of the whole tart. Chill until set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
CHOCOLATE-CINNAMON TART Mexican in spirit: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the chocolate pastry cream; if you like, add a layer of Spiced Caramel Sauce to the tart shell and let it cool and set up a bit before adding the pastry cream and proceeding with the recipe.
CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL TART Decadent, and a crowd pleaser: Add a layer of Caramel Sauce to the tart shell and let it cool and set up a bit before adding the pastry cream and proceeding with the recipe.
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE TART Another lovely combination: Add 1 tablespoon grated orange zest to the Chocolate Pastry Cream.
CHOCOLATE TART WITH HAZELNUT CRUST Toasted chopped hazelnuts make a great garnish for this: Substitute a Nut Tart Crust made with hazelnuts for the Chocolate Tart Crust.
CHOCOLATE-MOCHA TART This will end any dinner party on a high note: Substitute Coffee Pastry Cream for the Chocolate Pastry Cream.
CHOCOLATE–PEANUT BUTTER TART I have a weakness for chocolate and peanut butter: Chill Peanut Butter Sauce in the freezer for an hour, then combine it with the chocolate pastry cream and proceed with the recipe.