Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries. These individual tarts are perfect for serving at a dinner party or special occasion.

History

The combination of chocolate and raspberries has been a popular flavor pairing in desserts for many years. The tartness of the raspberries complements the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a delicious and balanced treat.

Ingredients

Tarts

1.33 cups cake flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg yolk
1 tbsp cold water

Filling

0.25 cup heavy cream
1 oz (28 g) white chocolate
0.5 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 pt (473 ml) raspberries

How to prepare

Tarts

Pulse the first 4 ingredients together in a food processor.
Add butter and pulse until the mixture looks crumbly.
In a bowl, beat together the egg yolk and water.
With the processor running, add the yolk mixture and process until the dough begins to clump.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface.
Divide it into fourths and shape each portion into a disk, then wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out 1 disk into a 7-inch round.
Fit it into a 4.75-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Repeat the process with the remaining disks and more tart pans.
Place the pans in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 350°F (177°C).
Place the tarts on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Let them cool.

Filling

In a saucepan, heat the cream until small bubbles appear around the sides of the pan.
Place the chopped white chocolate in a bowl.
Add the hot cream and stir until smooth.
Let it cool to room temperature.
Add the cheese and beat until smooth.
Remove the tarts from the pans.
Divide the filling among the tarts, spreading it smoothly.
Top with the raspberries.

Variations

Try using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Substitute strawberries or blackberries for the raspberries for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming too sticky.

- Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for the filling to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- When adding the raspberries on top of the tarts, arrange them in a visually appealing pattern for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts is to ensure that the dough is properly chilled before rolling it out and baking it. This will help the tarts maintain their shape and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. Additionally, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate in place of white chocolate for the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for the tarts ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them. The filling can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the tarts.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the raspberries on top of the tarts in a decorative pattern to create a visually appealing presentation. Dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts pair well with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts are a good source of vitamin C from the raspberries.

Alergens

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts contain dairy and eggs.

Summary

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts are a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, making them a treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Small Chocolate Raspberry Tarts are a delicious and elegant dessert option that is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. With a rich chocolate crust, creamy white chocolate filling, and fresh raspberries on top, these tarts are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this delightful dessert!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Margaret was known for her impeccable baking skills, and on this particular day, she had a special treat in store for me - small chocolate raspberry tarts.

As soon as I walked into Margaret's kitchen, I could smell the rich aroma of chocolate and fresh raspberries wafting through the air. My mouth watered at the sight of the delicate tarts cooling on the countertop, their glossy chocolate glaze glistening in the sunlight.

"Come, sit down, dear," Margaret said with a warm smile. "I have a new recipe to share with you today."

I eagerly took a seat at the kitchen table as Margaret busied herself with preparing tea and serving the tarts on dainty china plates. The first bite of the tart was pure bliss - the crisp, buttery crust gave way to a luscious chocolate ganache filling, topped with plump, juicy raspberries that burst with flavor in my mouth.

"Oh Margaret, this is absolutely divine!" I exclaimed, savoring every bite.

Margaret chuckled with delight. "I'm so glad you like it, dear. It's a recipe I picked up from a dear friend of mine many years ago. Would you like me to write it down for you?"

My eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, yes please! I would love to make these tarts for my family."

And so, Margaret scribbled down the recipe for small chocolate raspberry tarts on a yellowed piece of parchment, her elegant cursive handwriting detailing each step with care. I tucked the recipe into my purse, promising to give it a try as soon as I returned home.

The following weekend, I gathered all the ingredients needed to make the tarts and set to work in my own kitchen. As I rolled out the pastry dough and melted the chocolate over a double boiler, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and the wonderful memories we shared that day in her kitchen.

The tarts turned out beautifully - just as delicious as I remembered them to be. My family raved about the dessert, and I beamed with pride as they enjoyed each bite. From that day on, small chocolate raspberry tarts became a staple in my baking repertoire, a reminder of the special bond I shared with Margaret and the joy of discovering new recipes.

Over the years, I have made these tarts for countless gatherings and celebrations, each time sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who marveled at their decadent taste. The secret, I tell them, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love that goes into every step of the baking process.

As I grow older, my hands may not be as steady as they once were, but the joy of creating delicious treats for my family and friends remains unchanged. The recipe for small chocolate raspberry tarts is a treasure that I will pass down to future generations, along with the stories of how I learned to make them from my dear friend Margaret on that sunny summer day so many years ago.

And so, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of baking tarts and the laughter of my grandchildren running around, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and recipes that have shaped my life. Each bite of a small chocolate raspberry tart is a sweet reminder of the love and joy that fill my heart, a legacy that will endure long after I am gone.