Celebration Tarts

Celebration Tarts Recipe - Delicious and Decadent Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Celebration Tarts are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and pecans in a flaky pastry shell. These tarts are perfect for any special occasion or celebration.

History

The exact origins of Celebration Tarts are unknown, but they have become a popular dessert choice for many people looking to add a touch of sweetness to their celebrations. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and pecans creates a decadent and indulgent treat that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cherry Delight

0.33 cup of Hershey's cocoa
0.33 cup of sugar
3 tbsp of water
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 can (21 oz or 595 g) of cherry pie filling
1 egg
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
1 tbsp of packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp of melted butter or margarine
1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans
sweetened whipped cream

How to prepare

Place a cookie sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry.
Using a cutter, cut out 6 circles with a diameter of about 5.75 inches. Re-roll any scraps as needed to make 6 circles.
Press the pastry circles evenly into 4.75-inch tart pans with removable bottoms, allowing the pastry to extend 0.25 inch above the edges of the pans. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, stir together cocoa, sugar, and water. Add 2 tbsp of butter.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
Allow the cocoa mixture to cool to room temperature, approximately 10 minutes.
Spread the cocoa mixture evenly on the bottom of the tart shells.
Spoon the pie filling over the cocoa mixture, dividing it equally among the tart shells.
In a small bowl, stir together the egg, corn syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter. Then, stir in the pecans.
Spoon the pecan mixture over the pie filling, dividing it equally among the tart shells.
Place the tart pans on the preheated cookie sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the tarts are set and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the tarts to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
Remove the tarts from the pans.
Garnish with whipped cream.

Variations

Swap out the cherry pie filling for raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat the oven and use a cookie sheet to ensure even baking.

- Rolling out the pastry on a lightly floured surface will prevent sticking.

- Allow the cocoa mixture to cool before spreading it on the tart shells to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.

- Garnish with whipped cream just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Celebration Tarts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the pastry on a lightly floured surface

- Preparing the cocoa mixture over low heat

- Allowing the tarts to cool completely before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the pastry.

- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Celebration Tarts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the tarts with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Celebration Tarts with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Celebration Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Celebration Tarts contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Celebration Tarts contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Celebration Tarts contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Celebration Tarts contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Celebration Tarts are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Celebration Tarts contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Celebration Tarts are a decadent dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Celebration Tarts are a decadent and indulgent dessert option that is perfect for any special occasion. With a rich chocolate filling, sweet cherry pie topping, and crunchy pecan topping, these tarts are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Celebration Tarts. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mary in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Aunt Mary was always the life of the party and loved to entertain, so it was no surprise when she invited me to help her prepare for a big celebration she was hosting that evening.

As we stood in her sunlit kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aroma of freshly baked pastries, Aunt Mary pulled out a tattered old recipe book from her shelf. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for - Celebration Tarts. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the simplicity and elegance of the dish.

Aunt Mary explained that Celebration Tarts were a traditional recipe passed down through generations in our family. They were always reserved for special occasions and were meant to be shared with loved ones to celebrate joyous moments in life. The tarts were made with a delicate buttery crust and filled with a sweet and tangy fruit compote, topped with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

I watched Aunt Mary work her magic in the kitchen, effortlessly rolling out the dough, carefully shaping the tart shells, and filling them with the luscious fruit compote. She then popped them into the oven, and within minutes, the kitchen was filled with the irresistible scent of warm, buttery pastry.

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly baked Celebration Tarts, Aunt Mary shared with me the story of how she had learned to make the recipe. She told me that when she was a young girl, her own grandmother had taught her the secret to making the perfect tart crust - a pinch of salt, a dash of sugar, and a generous amount of butter. Aunt Mary had treasured this recipe ever since and had made it her own by adding her own twist with the fruit compote.

I was inspired by Aunt Mary's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving our family's culinary heritage. I knew that I wanted to carry on this tradition and learn how to make Celebration Tarts myself. So, over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe, adding my own personal touch by experimenting with different fruit fillings and garnishes.

Now, whenever I make Celebration Tarts, I am reminded of that special day in Aunt Mary's kitchen and the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones I love. The recipe has become more than just a dish to me - it is a symbol of family, tradition, and celebration.

As I continue to pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that they will appreciate the history and love that goes into each tart. And I hope that they will create their own memories and traditions around this simple yet elegant dessert, just as I have done. For me, Celebration Tarts will always hold a special place in my heart and on my table, bringing joy and sweetness to every occasion.