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Chocolate Ganache Strawberry Tart

Time1 hour 30 minutes
YieldsServes 8 to 12
Chocolate ganache strawberry tart
(Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)
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With its thin layer of ganache and even rows of sliced strawberries, this tart can be a dramatic dessert for two (with, happily, plenty leftover) or an exciting presentation for a small party.

Be sure to grind the hazelnuts well; if they are too large, the crust will tear when you roll it out. For the ganache, brandy or an orange liqueur can be substituted for the Frangelico.

If you are short on time, rather than slicing them, use whole strawberries: Cut the tops off so the berries are the same height, then arrange them pointed side up.

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Tart

1

Spray an 11x8-inch tart pan with removable bottom with nonstick spray (you can also use a round 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom).

2

Pulse together the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor several times to combine. Add the butter and pulse until fine crumbs form, about 15 seconds. Add the egg yolk, water and hazelnuts and pulse just to combine. The mixture should hold its shape when squeezed between your fingers. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add another tablespoon of water. (Alternately, place the dry ingredients in a bowl and cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry blender until crumbs form. Stir in the egg yolk, water and hazelnuts.)

3

Place a piece of plastic wrap on a work surface. Form the dough into a small rectangle and seal tightly in the plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour. (If using a round pan, form dough into a circle.)

4

Roll out the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to one-eighth-inch thickness. Place in the tart pan, pressing to fill the bottom and up the sides. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Prick the bottom with a fork, then bake until the bottom feels firm and the tart is pale golden, 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Chocolate ganache

1

Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan, then stir in the liqueur. Remove from heat and add the chocolate. Slowly stir until smooth.

Assembly

1

Cut the berries from the stem end down in one-eighth-inch pieces

2

Place the jelly in a small saucepan and melt over low heat.

3

Spoon the ganache into the cooled tart shell, spreading in an even layer with a spatula. Starting in the corners, place the strawberry slices in diagonal rows, meeting in the center of the tart. Fill in with remaining rows ending in the center. (If using a round tart pan, start on the outside working in to make overlapping concentric circles.)

4

Brush the berries with the warm jelly to glaze the tart and serve.

From Mary Ellen Rae of the Times Test Kitchen.
Make Ahead:
The tart can be made a few hours ahead; just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap. Brush the glaze on the berries just before serving.