Tuesday, July 6, 2010

TWD - Tart noire


Although I am officially living in my new place, I still haven't unpacked everything. I am working on a big writing project in my spare time (nope, not a cookbook I'm afraid), and the deadline is looming large, so I really can't afford any more time at present to make my house cosy.

When I saw this week's Tuesday with Dorie recipe was a tart, my heart sank. I like Dorie's pate sable (as opposed to the shortcrust), for which my food processor is ideal; and a pie plate is also a requirement. Unfortunately, I have unpacked neither, so I am not thrilled with the results of my labours this week. Our host is Dharmagirl of Bliss: Towards a Delicious Life, who chose Dorie's tarte noire - basically, a rich chocolate tart with a pie crust filled with chocolate, cream and butter.


Chocolate tart is delicious. However, it is not my thing as much as the sour cream chocolate cake, as its richness is a little too much for me.

I had issues with the crust because, to save time given the absence of my food processor, I wanted to use a store bought tart shell - and of course, I couldn't buy one. Instead, I bought the pastiest looking frozen shortcrust pastry you have ever seen, which baked up to resemble cardboard. Ewww! I also had to use a springform tin instead of a pie plate, which had challenges of its own. That is why you only get to see a slice this week - a slice of tart on its own looks OK, whereas the whole thing was less than photogenic.

Ignoring the pie crust, the filling of the tart tasted delicious - smooth and creamy and rich, although I only incorporated half the butter because that is all that mine seemed to want to take.

I took the tart to work, and it disappeared - if it had been truly dreadful, I imagine that there would have been leftovers. My trusty taster, Sandra, had no issues with the dreadful crust; however, it reminded me why I usually make my own tart shells.

This is a basic recipe that you could dress up with orange zest, raspberries or salted caramel; however, just plain is fine.

Thanks to our host, Dharmagirl, for this week's pick. She will have the recipe, or you can find it in Dorie's book. Check out the TWD blogroll to see what everyone else thought of this tart.

30 comments:

Gloria Baker said...

Hello dear, I hope you are Ok. is hard change home, I knw. This chocolate tart look awesome and delicious, xxx gloria

Anonymous said...

You did a great job of making this work without all of your kitchen supplies. I know what you mean about the crust - a storebought one would bother me, but if I brought it to work, they would be quite happy!

Leslie said...

It looks great (and delightfully chocolatey) to me! I'm so impressed that you made it in spite of all the challenges you had. Store bought crusts taste fine to some people but rarely to people who make their own. I hope you're able to get your writing project done so you can settle into your new place.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I know the feeling (there are still two unpacked boxes :P). But you did well and as you say, the proof is in the eating or how long it took for it to disappear! :)

Tammy said...

salted caramel would be wonderful. your tart looks delciious

Susan said...

I always hate the "living out of boxes" I always had with every move. Hope you get settled in soon.

Your tart looks fine, cardboard crust and all. :)

Anonymous said...

Great job MacGuyvering the tart! I'm sure it tasted fine!

Jennifer said...

It's hard to move and unpack when everyday life is staring you in the face-I hope you meet your deadline and that everything goes swimmingly!

I think the outcome was great, considering you didn't have the tools you normally would use-and I have to agree-I am a bit of a sour cream chocolate cake junky myself.

Hindy said...

Good on you for attempting this one when you're not even unpacked. I'm sure it was more delicious than you think since your co-workers ate it all.

AmyRuth said...

Hi there,
I am impressed with your focus and the ability to not be distracted by being unsettled. Wow that is impressive. So, that must be why you need chocolate, right? hehe Good Luck with your project and as far as the tart goes, well nothing could be simpler. When you find your stash of baking toys you will most certainly want to put this on your list of "star attractions." It is a showstopper for company or dinner parties. Even if you think its rich, that's the beauty. Small servings for lots of folks as we say in America. hehe It goes around.
Nicely done
AmyRuth

Cristine said...

Good for you for making it work without all your kitchen stuff!

Kimberly Johnson said...

Your tart looks great despite your challenges! Great job!

Amber Marie said...

I'm impressed you made this even though you still have lots of things boxed up! It looks great.

miss kate said...

I bet no one else even noticed--they were probably too busy marveling over the filling! Looks great.

Jeannette said...

Lack of time can be such a bummer sometimes. You do get brownie points for at least attempting to make the best of your situation!!

And you can most likely bet that your co-workers liked it :)

Sihan said...

ooo.. i hope your movers get their work done faster too. You should press them with an invitation for freshly baked tart with gorgeous chocolate cream filling. What an incentive!

mike said...

What a smooth ganache! It's no wonder it disappeared -it's such a great tart isn't it? Glad you were able to make it despite your hectic schedule!

The Blonde Duck said...

You're a trooper for even trying it!

TeaLady said...

I know you will be glad to have ALL the boxes unpacked eventually. Nice save even tho' you didn't care for the crust. The filling was good all by itself. Looks good to me!!

Tia said...

beautiful, shiny chocolate :)

Chef Dennis Littley said...

what a beautiful torte....it looks so creamy and so delicious! The chocolate is the important part!!! the crust is just holding it up..I'm sure you will more than make it up when your kitchen is fully operational.
All the Best
Dennis

Paula said...

I'm impressed with your determination and ingenuity. The proof is in the eating as they say so I guess it turned out good.

Kayte said...

You are such a hoot with all your improvising ways while you get settled, always have to giggle at what you come up with over there. It all looks great!

The Blonde Duck said...

Happy Wednesday!

Unknown said...

Looks lovely! No chocolate cake is too rich for me daaaaaahling, I can help you eat it if u want :)... I'm so helpful that way.
Have a fantastic weekend.
*kisses* HH

Barbara Bakes said...

Good luck with the writing project. Hopefully, you'll have your kitchen back together soon. So frustrating cooking without when you're use to all the conveniences.

The Caked Crusader said...

Just think of how lovely it will be when you're unpacked. I'm intrigued about the writing project!
Tart looks ace, by the way

dharmagirl said...

kudos for baking when you are in the middle of transition. thanks for joining me this week:)

Cakelaw said...

@ Crusader - it's a legal text, so unfortunately I am not going to be the next JK Rowling (unless law becomes way more popular than it is now) - although it is cyberlaw, which is pretty funky.

cocoa and coconut said...

delicious, smooth and chocolatey...what could be better