NO-BAKE CHIPOTLE CHOCOLATE TART

My grandmother used to make fried pies for us all the time. There was nothing better than to be sent back home from Mamaw’s house with a bag full of peach, apple, plum, and my favorite, chocolate fried pies. They were so wonderfully greasy that they would make dark spots on the outside of the paper grocery sack that held them.

Why can’t fried be as good for us as broccoli and cauliflower? Maybe one day. Until then, we’ve come up with a way to get our chocolate pie without deep frying. In fact, there is very little at all to do. This deceptively simple pie packs a big punch thanks to some rich chocolate and just a touch of smoky heat brought on by chipotle chili powder.

2 (3-ounce) chocolate bars, chopped (70% cocoa)

½ cup heavy cream

¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder

¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes

½ cup light brown sugar

1 (12-ounce) box extra-firm silken tofu

Graham Cracker Crust, cooked and cooled (recipe follows)

In a double boiler over medium heat, whisk the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate has melted and the cream is incorporated. This takes 10 minutes. Into the work bowl of your food processor, add the chocolate mixture, along with the chipotle, salt, brown sugar, and tofu. Blend until very smooth. Spoon the mixture into the crust and smooth it. Allow the tart to chill for 2 hours in the refrigerator—no need to bake it. Serve as is or with a whipped cream or meringue topping.

Makes 6 servings.

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST

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1 sleeve honey graham crackers (1 ½ cups)

4 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cubed

1 tablespoon cane sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the graham crackers, butter, and sugar into the work bowl of your food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and the butter is incorporated. The mixture should look like sand.

Press the mixture into the bottom of an 11-inch tart pan. Make sure to press the crumbs into the scallops of the pan as well, until it is ½ inch up the inside wall. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

Makes 1 crust.