Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets

Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets Recipe with Cream Cheese and Baking Chocolate

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 28 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, and what better way to express these feelings than through the universal language of food? The Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets are a perfect embodiment of this sentiment. These tartlets, with their rich, chocolatey filling and delicate, buttery shell, are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that can add a touch of elegance to any Valentine's Day meal. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is designed to impress your loved one with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.

History

The concept of combining chocolate with pastry dates back centuries, with both components having rich histories of their own. Chocolate, once a luxury item, has been a symbol of love and luxury since the Aztecs, who believed it to be a source of strength and passion. Pastry, on the other hand, has evolved from simple bread doughs to the intricate and delicate forms we know today. The marriage of these two elements into tartlets is a relatively modern innovation, designed to capture the essence of both ingredients. This particular recipe, with its bittersweet chocolate and creamy filling, is a nod to the classic French tartlets, adapted for the home cook as a celebration of love and culinary artistry.

Ingredients

Shells

0.5 cup of softened Land o' Lakes butter
1 (3 oz (85 g)) package of softened cream cheese
0.75 cup of all-purpose flour
0.33 cup of sugar
0.25 cup of unsweetened cocoa

Filling

3 (1 oz (28 g)) squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
3 tbsp of Land o' Lakes butter
0.67 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tsp of vanilla

Glaze

1 (1 oz (28 g)) square of white baking bar
0.5 tsp of shortening

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup of butter and cream cheese.
Beat the mixture at medium speed until smooth, then reduce the speed to low.
Add all the remaining shell ingredients and beat until well mixed (the mixture will be crumbly).
Shape the dough into 24 balls, each measuring 1.25 inches in diameter.
Place one ball of dough into each ungreased mini muffin cup.
Press the dough evenly on the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup.
In a small saucepan, melt the baking chocolate and 3 tbsp of butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (2 to 3 minutes).
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Stir in all the remaining filling ingredients.
Spoon the filling into each shell.
Bake for 26 to 28 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Allow the tartlets to cool in the pans for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the tartlets from the pan and let them cool completely on cooling racks placed over waxed paper.
In a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan, melt the white baking bar and shortening over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (2 to 4 minutes).
Drizzle the glaze over the tartlets.

Variations

For a nutty flavor, add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the chocolate filling.
Substitute dark chocolate for the unsweetened baking chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting to make the shell dough easier to mix and shape.

- When pressing the dough into the muffin cups, use a small glass or spoon to create an even layer.

- To prevent the chocolate from burning while melting, use a double boiler or melt it slowly in the microwave at half power, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.

- For a glossy finish on your tartlets, consider adding a teaspoon of corn syrup to the chocolate filling mixture.

- If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before shaping into balls.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tartlets on a platter garnished with fresh raspberries or mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delightful finishing touch.

Cooking Techniques

Melting chocolate and butter together requires gentle heat to avoid burning. Using a double boiler or a microwave on low power are effective techniques. When mixing the shell dough, use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer or a hand mixer to ensure a smooth, even texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

- Use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

- Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking for a lower-calorie option.

Make Ahead Tips

The tartlet shells can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two days before filling and baking. The chocolate filling can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Simply reheat gently before filling the shells to proceed with the recipe.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, place each tartlet in a paper cupcake liner and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand. Garnish with edible gold leaf or a drizzle of caramel for a touch of luxury.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these chocolate tartlets with a glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a dessert wine like Port, to complement the rich chocolate flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark roast coffee or an espresso makes a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each tartlet contains approximately 150 calories. Given their rich ingredients, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each tartlet contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are sugar and all-purpose flour, which provide the body with energy. However, it's important to consume them in moderation, especially for those monitoring their blood sugar levels.

Fats

The tartlets are rich in fats, with each serving containing about 10 grams of fat. The fats come from butter, cream cheese, and chocolate, contributing to the dessert's creamy texture and rich flavor. While fats are essential for a healthy diet, consuming them in excess can lead to health issues, so enjoy these tartlets as an occasional treat.

Proteins

Each tartlet offers approximately 2 grams of protein, primarily from the egg in the filling. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, but this dessert should not be relied upon as a significant protein source.

Vitamins and minerals

These tartlets provide small amounts of calcium and iron, derived from the dairy products and chocolate used in the recipe. Calcium is vital for bone health, while iron supports healthy blood cells.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens: dairy (butter, cream cheese), gluten (all-purpose flour), and eggs. Those with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

While the Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets are a delicious treat, they are high in fats and sugars and should be consumed in moderation. They offer minimal protein and some essential minerals, making them an indulgent dessert rather than a nutritional staple.

Summary

The Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets are a decadent and elegant dessert perfect for celebrating love. With their rich chocolate filling and buttery shell, they are sure to impress your Valentine. While indulgent, it's important to enjoy these tartlets in moderation due to their high fat and sugar content. This recipe offers flexibility with variations and substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions, making it a versatile option for a romantic dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold and snowy Valentine's Day, the kind of day that made you want to stay inside and bake something delicious. I had been flipping through an old cookbook that my mother had passed down to me, when I stumbled upon a recipe for Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets. The picture in the book showed perfectly baked tarts, with a rich chocolate filling and a shiny glaze on top. I knew right then and there that I had to make them.

I had always been a lover of baking, and I had learned many recipes from my mother and grandmother over the years. But this recipe was different. It felt special, like it was meant to be a part of my culinary repertoire. I immediately set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need to make the tartlets.

As I sifted the flour and cocoa powder together, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother. They had taught me so much about cooking and baking, and I was grateful for all the knowledge they had passed down to me.

Once the tartlet dough was made and chilling in the refrigerator, I turned my attention to the chocolate filling. I melted the bittersweet chocolate in a double boiler, stirring it until it was smooth and glossy. The aroma of chocolate filled the air, and I knew that these tartlets were going to be something special.

As I poured the chocolate filling into the tartlet shells and popped them into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I knew that these tartlets were going to be a hit, and I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends.

When the tartlets finally emerged from the oven, they were perfect. The pastry was crisp and buttery, and the chocolate filling was rich and decadent. I knew that I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

I drizzled the tartlets with a bittersweet chocolate glaze, adding a touch of elegance to the already beautiful dessert. As I admired my handiwork, I couldn't help but feel proud of myself. I had learned a new recipe, one that brought me joy and satisfaction.

As I sat down to enjoy a tartlet with a cup of tea, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the love and care that had gone into teaching me how to cook and bake, and it was a testament to the joy that can be found in creating something delicious.

From that day on, Bittersweet Valentine's Day Chocolate Tartlets became a tradition in my household. Every year on Valentine's Day, I would bake a batch of tartlets to share with my loved ones. And as I watched them enjoy each bite, I knew that this recipe would continue to bring happiness and joy for years to come.