Chocolate Caramel Tart
To produce interesting curves in the caramel drops, stand the skewers upright in flower foam or a heavy container while setting. If the caramel hardens before all the pecans have been dipped, rewarm it over low heat. A foolproof way to clean caramel from the pan is to bring it to a boil with a bit of added water.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes one 9-inch tart
Ingredients
Caramel-Dipped Pecans
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the chocolate pâte sucrée 1/8 inch thick, and fit into a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Dock the bottom of the tart with a fork. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Step 2
Place the chopped pecans on a baking sheet, and toast until slightly darkened and fragrant, about 10 minutes; set aside.
Step 3
Line the tart shell with parchment paper, pressing into the edges, and cover with dried beans or pie weights. Place on a baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes. Remove the paper and beans, and continue baking until the crust is golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4
Make the caramel by placing the sugar, salt, and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystals from forming. Cook, gently swirling the pan (do not stir), until the caramel is a rich amber color. Remove from heat, and add 1/2 cup cream and the butter and vanilla; stir until smooth.
Step 5
Pour the mixture into the chocolate tart shell. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the caramel; refrigerate while melting the chocolate.
Step 6
Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring the remaining cup cream to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes; stir until completely smooth. Pour over the caramel and nuts; return the tart to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 7
When ready to serve, if desired, dust the top of the tart with cocoa powder and garnish with caramel-dipped pecans.
Caramel-Dipped Pecans
Step 8
Gently insert an 8-inch wooden skewer into each pecan. Set aside.
Step 9
Prepare an ice-water bath, and set aside. Combine the sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Cook, without stirring, until the mixture begins to brown. Gently swirl the pan to color evenly. Remove from heat when the caramel is a rich amber color, and place the pan in the ice bath for 5 seconds to stop the cooking.
Step 10
Allow the caramel to sit until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. (To test: Dip a wooden spoon into the caramel, and lift it several inches over the pan; if a drip slowly forms and then hardens, the caramel is ready.) When the caramel is ready, dip the pecans, lifting up and swirling slightly to fully coat. Hold the skewer over the pan to allow the drip to lengthen and slightly harden, about 1 minute. If necessary, use a pair of scissors to cut the drip from the caramel remaining in the pan.
Step 11
Place the skewers on an inverted baking sheet lined with waxed paper, and allow the caramel to completely harden, about 5 minutes. If desired, stand the skewers upright in flower foam or a heavy container until ready to serve. Gently remove the skewers before serving.
