Bittersweet Chocolate and Hazelnut Tartlets with Jack Daniel's Ice Cream
With just a hint of whiskey in the ice cream and a strong coffee presence in the caramel sauce, this is a grown-up take on a classic chocolate dessert.
With just a hint of whiskey in the ice cream and a strong coffee presence in the caramel sauce, this is a grown-up take on a classic chocolate dessert.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg yolk
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (or more) ice water
- 3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- Carbohydrate 160 g(53%)
- Cholesterol 464 mg(155%)
- Fat 116 g(179%)
- Fiber 8 g(31%)
- Protein 19 g(37%)
- Saturated Fat 60 g(298%)
- Sodium 422 mg(18%)
- Calories 1691
Step-by-step
- Preparation For sauce: Stir sugar, corn syrup, and 1/3 cup water in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until mixture turns deep amber, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add butter and salt (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until butter melts. Add cream and coffee; whisk to blend. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.
- For ice cream: Stir sugar, corn syrup, and 1/3 cup water in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until mixture turns deep amber, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add butter and salt (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until butter melts. Add cream and coffee; whisk to blend. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.
- Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and pinch of salt in medium bowl. Gradually whisk milk mixture into egg mixture; return to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until thickened slightly and finger leaves path when drawn across spoon, about 4 minutes (do not boil). Strain into another medium bowl. Stir in Jack Daniel's. Cover and chill custard until cold, at least 5 hours.
- Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer ice cream to container, cover, and freeze. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep frozen.
- For crust: Blend flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in processor. Add butter. Using on/off turns, process until coarse meal forms. Add 3 tablespoons ice water; using on/off turns, process until moist clumps form, adding more water by teaspoonfuls if too dry. Form dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill dough 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Press 1 dough portion onto bottom and up sides of each of six 4 1/2x1/2- inch tartlet pans with removable bottoms. Freeze crusts 30 minutes.
- Bake crusts until dry and set, about 15 minutes. Cool completely.
- For filling: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grind nuts in processor until paste forms. Transfer to bowl. Add chocolate and salt to bowl. Bring cream and milk just to boil in small saucepan; pour over chocolate mixture in bowl. Whisk until chocolate melts. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, egg, and egg yolk; whisk until smooth.
- Pour filling into cooled tartlet crusts, dividing equally. Bake until filling is set and some small cracks appear on surface, about 15 minutes. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
- Remove pan sides from tartlets. Place 1 tartlet on each of 6 plates. Serve with scoop of ice cream and drizzle with sauce.
Indulge in Decadence: A Bittersweet Chocolate and Hazelnut Tartlet Journey
As a busy professional, I often find myself craving moments of pure indulgence. The pressures of work, the relentless emails, and the constant demands on my time can leave me feeling drained. But there’s something about a truly exquisite dessert that can transport me to a place of serenity, even if only for a few precious minutes. That's why I've developed a fondness for creating these bittersweet chocolate and hazelnut tartlets – a perfect blend of rich, complex flavors that provides the ultimate escape.
The creation of these tartlets isn't just about the final product; it's about the journey. The process itself is a form of mindfulness, a calming ritual that allows me to disconnect from the chaos of the day. The precise measuring, the careful blending, the gentle folding – each step is a meditation in itself. And the aroma that fills my kitchen as the tartlets bake is simply intoxicating. A symphony of chocolate, hazelnut, and a hint of something unexpected – a whisper of whiskey in the accompanying ice cream. The subtle hint of coffee in the caramel sauce completes the symphony, and the complexity of the flavors truly enhances the overall taste.
The Magic of the Ingredients:
The beauty of these tartlets lies in the simplicity and quality of their ingredients. The rich, dark chocolate provides the foundation for a deep, intense flavor that is balanced by the nutty sweetness of the hazelnuts. The creamy, luscious texture is a product of careful attention to detail, from the precise ratios of the ingredients to the careful control of the baking process. Even the seemingly minor details, like the type of butter used or the quality of the cocoa powder, contribute to the overall excellence of these exquisite little treats.
More than just a dessert:
These tartlets are more than just a dessert; they're a statement. They’re a testament to the power of taking a moment for oneself, to the joy of creating something beautiful, and to the simple pleasure of savoring something truly delicious. They're a perfect end to a long day, a celebratory treat for a special occasion, or simply a little indulgence to brighten a mundane Tuesday. The combination of the smooth chocolate, crunchy nuts, and the velvety ice cream provides a unique textural experience that complements the already intriguing flavor profile.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe is not just about following instructions; it's about understanding the nuances of flavor and texture. It's about experimenting and making it your own. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, the intensity of the chocolate, or the type of nuts to suit your personal preferences. The possibilities are endless.
These tartlets are a celebration of simplicity and sophistication. They’re a testament to the belief that even amidst the busyness of life, there is always time for a moment of pure, unadulterated pleasure. So, I invite you to embark on this culinary journey, to create your own batch of these bittersweet chocolate and hazelnut tartlets, and to discover the magic they hold within.
A Personal Touch:
For me, these tartlets represent more than just a recipe. They represent a sanctuary, a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of my life. The act of creating them is therapeutic, a meditative process that centers me and allows me to unwind. The satisfaction of sharing these delicate creations with friends and loved ones adds another layer of joy to the experience. And watching their faces light up as they take that first bite? Priceless.
So go ahead, indulge. Create your own memories with these delicious tartlets. Let the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors transport you to a place of peace and serenity. And remember, even the busiest lives can always find time for a little bit of sweet escape.
