ESPRESSO GANACHE TART

 It starts with a dark chocolate cookie crumb crust, followed by a chocolate and espresso ganache center,  topped off with a glossy pool of more dark chocolate. This tart needs no garnish, not even a sprig of mint. It is what it is, and it’s proud of it.

but you can any plain chocolate cookie, including chocolate graham crackers. If you don’t want the espresso flavor,  substitute almond extract, a flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier, or just leave it plain. Next time I might add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom, which I think would be great with the espresso.

Ingredients

for the crust

I cup finely ground chocolate cookie crumbs I used Nabisco's Famous Wafers

5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted

1/4 cup sugar

for the filling

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

2 Tbsp espresso powder

10 oz bag of good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate chips

2 large eggs beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

for the glaze

3 Tbsp heavy cream

2 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate chips

1 tsp light corn syrup

1 Tbsp warm water

Instructions

Set oven to 350F

Combine the crumbs, melted butter and sugar in a bowl. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened and everything is well combined.

Press evenly into a 9" tart pan with removable bottom. (You can also use a 9" pie pan) Cover the bottom and up the sides, using your hands to smooth and pack it firmly.

Bake for about 10 minutes, then cool on a rack for about 20 minutes.

To make the filling, bring the cream just to a boil, take off the heat and stir in the espresso powder. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Stir together until smooth. Combine the eggs, salt and vanilla in another small bowl, and then add to the chocolate. Stir until completely combined.

Pour the filling into the cool crust. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set along the edges but still a bit loose in the very center. The filling will firm as it cools.

Cool the tart on a rack for an hour.

To make the glaze, bring the cream just to a boil (I did this in the microwave) and add the chocolate. Stir until completely smooth. Add in the corn syrup and the warm water and stir again until smooth and glossy.

Pour over the tart, swirling it around so it coats the top evenly.

Let set for an hour before cutting. If you refrigerate the tart, let it sit out a bit before serving.

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