Toasted Walnut & Chocolate Tart

Toasted Walnut & Chocolate Tart
Total Time
2 Hrs, 45 Mins
Serves
12
Course
Desserts

Total Time

Prep Time
2 Hrs, 30 Mins
Cook Time
15 Mins
Total Time
2 Hrs, 45 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
445 cal
Total Fat
37 g
Trans Fat
0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
12 g
Cholesterol
56 mg
Sodium
72 mg
Carbohydrates
25 g
Dietary Fiber
2 g
Protein
5 g

Ingredients

  • 3 cups + 12 halves California walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup, divided use (in a small covered saucepan, simmer 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water for 4 minutes to dissolve crystals)
  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 12 ounces dark Belgian chocolate
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
  • zest of 2 large oranges, to candy for garnish

Preparation

  1. Toast walnuts in a 350ºF oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. In a food processor coarsely chop 3 cups walnuts for crust.
  3. Place chopped walnuts in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the simple syrup and the melted butter, mix well.
  4. Place mixture in a 10 inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom and press into pan with your fingers to form a crust. Put pan in freezer to firm while you complete the next step (about 10 minutes).
  5. Use a knife to break chocolate into small shards.
  6. In a medium saucepan bring cream to a boil, add chocolate and remove from heat. Stir until smooth. Stir in Grand Marnier.
  7. Pour mixture into chilled tart mold and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  8. In a small nonstick sauté pan, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons simple syrup and the orange zest. Cook over medium heat until most of the water has evaporated and the zest is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan and cool.
  9. To serve, keep chilled until ready to serve. Remove tart from pan. To slice, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped with a towel. Cut into 12 slices. Garnish slices with powdered sugar-dusted walnut halves and candied orange zest.