It almost got away!
We had this chocolate-bottom strawberry tart about a month ago, and I had to shoo away my hovering guests long enough to take a photo. Then all bets were off, the crowd descended, and only crumbs were left. It was delicious! Let’s hope you can still get strawberries – but if you can’t, try raspberries.
The tart has three simple components: the pre-baked crust, the chocolate layer, and lots of fresh (uncooked) berries. It’s meant to be eaten the day it’s made; berries are very delicate and this tart won’t keep well.
Strawberry-Chocolate Tart makes one 8-inch tart
first, the crust:
- 1 c all-purpose flour, plus more for your fingers
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1 large egg
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter an 8 or 9 inch tart pan and set aside. Mix the flour and baking powder together, and set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at high speed in a large bowl, until fluffy and pale in color. Lower speed to medium, add the egg, and beat in. Gradually add the flour mixture until fully incorporated – the dough will be very soft.
Sprinkle flour on your fingers, and press the dough into the buttered tart pan to form an even crust. Press a buttered piece of aluminum foil against the tart shell, and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
next, the chocolate:
- 1/3 c dark chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp heavy (whipping) cream
Put chocolate chips and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power 1 minute, then stir to combine well. Make sure all the chocolate is melted. If necessary, zap again for 15 seconds at medium power, stirring each time. Spread the chocolate ganache on the bottom of the cooked and cooled pie crust.
assemble the tart:
- 1 quart ripe strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
Pile the berries into the chocolate-bottom tart shell. If you wish, sprinkle the berries with a bit of powdered sugar just before serving.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche.
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