This is one of my simplest, most-delectable, most-requested desserts, as well as one of the most elegant. I’ve been asked what bakery I purchased it from. After tasting this, you’ll want to keep chocolate graham crackers and whipping cream on hand as staples, just for this recipe. At least, that’s why I sure do.

Makes one 9-11″ round tart (depending on how large your pan is). Because you’ll need a tart pan of some kind here. Mine is 11″ round fluted, 1″ deep. Initial recipe called for 9″ round, 1″ deep fluted pan. It’s your chocolate tart = It’s your call. (Sometimes I’m kind of convention-bucking like that.)

INGREDIENTS:

For crust:

* 9 chocolate graham crackers (this is one of the packs inside the box), finely ground/crushed (1 cup)

* 5 Tablespoons butter, melted

* 1/4 cup sugar

For filling:

* 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

* 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (9 oz)

* 2 large eggs

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

* 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract (depending on your minty preference – I like it stronger)

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

For glaze:

* 2 Tablespoons heavy cream

* 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (2 oz)

* 1 teaspoon light corn syrup

* 1 Tablespoon warm water (the temperature is important!)

PREPARATION:

Make crust:

– Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with rack in middle.

– Stir together all crust ingredients (I use my food processor for this part) and press evenly up sides and on bottom of tart pan (I use a fork for this part).

– Bake for 8 minutes. (I know that’s oddly precise. I have reasons, Grasshopper.) 

– Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make filling:

– Dump chocolate chips into a medium-ish microwaveable bowl. Pour heavy cream on top. Microwave on high about 1 minute. Take out, stir, and return to microwave for 30 seconds more. Stir till smooth (I use a whisk).

* Should you be lacking in a microwave: Bring cream to boil in small saucepan. Pour over chocolate chips in bowl, let stand 5 minutes. Gently stir till smooth.

– In another smallish bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, vanilla, and peppermint extracts. Stir into chocolate mixture. Mix till smooth.

– Pour/scrape chocolate mixture into crust.

– Bake for 17-18 minutes AND NOT A MINUTE MORE! This is if you are looking for that delectably melty chocolate-truffle texture.  Set aside on rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Make glaze:

In small microwaveable bowl, dump the 1/3 cup chocolate chips and pour in the heavy cream. Microwave for about 30 seconds (watching because the cream will boil over!), and stir till smooth.  (Again, non-microwave people: small saucepan on stove, heat cream, turn off heat, mix in chocolate till smooth, continue with recipe.) Stir in corn syrup, then warm water.

Pour glaze onto tart, then tilt and rotate tart (carefully) so glaze coats top evenly. Let stand till glaze is set, about 1 hour. If the tart cools too much during this time, the glaze will set more quickly but will lose that patent-leather shine.  (I don’t know if this is deeply important to you but I thought I’d mention it.)

Note: Tart is exquisite the day it is made, but can be made, without glaze, 1 day ahead and chilled. Bring to room temperature before glazing.

VARIATIONS!

Because this tart is ridiculously and wonderfully adaptive to suit all your chocolate dreams.

* Chocolate, Straight Up – Omit peppermint extract, increase vanilla to 1 tsp. No apologies – this is chocolate heaven. Use bittersweet chocolate (no more than 65%) in the filling if you have it!

* Chocolate-Orange  – Omit peppermint extract, add 1-2 tsp orange extract, and 2 tsp finely grated orange zest to filling.  Sprinkle additional orange zest over glaze before serving, if desired.

* Chocolate-Mocha – Omit peppermint extract. Add 1 Tbsp finely ground espresso to filling. Decorate with   chocolate-covered coffee beans on glaze, if desired.

* Chocolate-Bourbon– Omit peppermint extract. Add 1-2 Tbsp bourbon whiskey (such as Jack Daniel’s) to filling.

* Mayan Chocolate (one of my personal favorites) – Omit peppermint extract. Add 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne, and use Mexican vanilla if you have it.  Decorate top of tart with a couple cinnamon sticks, or one or two small dried red peppers if you’re feeling feisty and your guests won’t be too scared. (Invite me!)

I’m so excited for you to try this -Let me know how it turns out!

_{Pssst! Want to get recipes, great, thoughtful articles, and sincere encouragement delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to be included in Maria’s email list, if you haven’t already!}