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Tart, Caramel-Pistachio (D, TNT)
Source: Bon Appetit June 2004
Serves: 16

Crust:
2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup (packed) pistachio halvah or plain halvah, crushed, packed (approximately 7 ounces)
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, chilled unsalted, cut into 1/2" cubes
2 large egg yolks
2 tbsp. ice water

Filling:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
10 tbsp. (1-1/4 sticks) butter, chilled unsalted, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 cup natural unsalted pistachios (approximately 4 ounces), toasted
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 large egg white

Glaze:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp. (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp. light corn syrup

Make Crust:
Combine flour, halvah, sugar, and salt in processor. Using on/off turns, process until blended to sandy texture.

Add butter. Using on/off turns, process until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk egg yolks and 2 tbsp. ice water in small bowl to blend. Add to flour mixture.

Using on/off turns, process until moist clumps form. Gather dough into 2 balls; flatten into disks. Wrap separately in plastic. Chill 1 hour.

Make Filling:
Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil until syrup turns deep amber or clip-on candy thermometer registers 360°F, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, approximately 11 minutes (time will vary depending on size of pan). Remove from heat.

Carefully stir in cream (mixture will bubble). Add butter and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in pistachios. Cool until lukewarm but still pourable, approximately 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 9" round tart pan with removable bottom with nonstick spray.

Roll out 1 dough disk between 2 sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper to 11" round (dough will be about 1/3" thick). Remove top paper. Invert dough into prepared pan. Remove remaining paper. Trim dough overhang.

Roll out second dough disk between 2 sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper to 10" round. Pour filling into prepared crust. Brush edges of crust with egg white. Remove top paper from second dough disk. Invert over filling.

Remove paper. Press dough around pan edges to trim and seal.

Place tart on baking sheet and bake until crust is golden, approximately 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Chill overnight.

Make Glaze and Assembly:
Bring cream and butter just to boil in medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and corn syrup; whisk until smooth. Cool 5 minutes.

Place rack over rimmed baking sheet. Remove sides from tart pan. Invert tart onto rack. Remove bottom of tart pan. Pour warm glaze over tart (bottom of tart becomes top). Let stand until glaze sets. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.)

Slice into thin wedges and serve.

Author's Notes:
A rich candy-bar-like dessert that can be made in stages, and even completed three days before a party. Fresh strawberries make a garnish.

Poster's Notes:
My friend prepared this awesome dessert the last time our chavurah got together.

Posted by Judy Bart Kancigor

Nutritional Info Per Serving: N/A