- Yields: Makes 10 servings
- Preparation: 260 minutes
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (375mL) all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75mL) instant dissolving sugar
- 1 tsp (5mL) fresh cracked black pepper, coarse
- 1/2 tsp (2mL) salt
- 1/2 cup (125mL) GAY LEA - Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
Ganache
- 1 1/4 cups (3/4cup) semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup (175mL) HEWITT'S - 35% whipping cream
- 2 tbsp (30mL) GAY LEA - Unsalted Butter
Meringue
- 1/2 cup (125mL) egg whites, well shaken
- 2 tsp (10mL) lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (1mL) cream of tartar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3/4 cup (175mL) instant dissolving sugar
- 1/2 tsp (2mL) sea salt, flaked or coarse
Instructions
Crust- Place the flour, sugar, pepper and salt in a food processor; pulse until well combined. Add the butter; pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Firmly press the dough in a 9-inch (23 cm) fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the tart pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine the chocolate chips, whipping cream and butter in a heavy saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour into the cooled tart shell. Chill for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is set.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a mixer on high-speed, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Continuing on high speed, add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, beating until very stiff and glossy peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the chocolate but leave the crust edge exposed; swirl the meringue decoratively. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the meringue. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden; cool for 20 minutes. Chill for at 2 hours or until chocolate is set.
Tips:
- Make-ahead: The tart shell can be baked and filled with chocolate up to 2 days in advance. The meringue can be prepared and baked up to 8 hours in advance. Let the tart stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving if chocolate becomes too firm in the fridge.
- Back to Basics: Omit the pepper in the crust and the salt from the topping for a more traditional dessert.
- Baker’s Secret: Use a straight-sided dry measuring cup to help press the dough into the pan firmly and create a pristine crust.
- Equipment Switch: If you don’t have a fluted tart pan, simply use a 9-inch (23 cm) spring-form pan and press the dough 1-inch (2.5 cm) up the sides.
