A million years ago – or perhaps it was just 30 – I was principal bassist for the Albany Symphony Orchestra. It was my first job – I was fresh out of the conservatory – and life was just filled with possibility. I had my fist apartment (half a small bungalow) and I was ready to be a grown up. The art on my walls would no longer include posters. My furniture would not be a futon. My bed would not have big wedge pillows so that it could double for a sofa. The food I ate would not simply be something that came from a can.
That, of course, meant cooking for myself. I had always cooked with my mother, so I had no fear of the kitchen. On my own, though, I made my share of mistakes – like the time I tried to cook Cornish game hens in the toaster oven for my first Thanksgiving. Disaster. Or when I made my first gnocchi from scratch and turned out like small rubber doorstops. Inedible. (Apologies still go to Susan, my former roommate, for that fiasco! She was kind, though, and kept saying, “But the flavor is really good!”)
It was also the time when I began collecting recipes from family, friends and colleagues – inexpensive casseroles from my mother, one for frozen Grand Marnier soufflé from roommate Susan, various cakes from friend Bill, or scalloped scallops from my sister-in-law Lori.
After about a year of playing in the orchestra, a new employee came along – Lois. Lois was an amazing baker. (She didn’t eat much ‘real’ food – but if it had chocolate, watch out!) Probably 10-15 of my favorite dessert recipes come from her recipe box – triple chocolate cake, Viennese chocolate pound cake, Black Jack cake, breakfast cinnamon rolls and more. But the recipe I make most often is hers for chocolate tarts.
This is my no-fail, go-to recipe when I need something to take to a party, or for a light dessert on a buffet. The crust could not be easier and the filling is amazing. And, it is one of the few recipes that is perfect exactly the way Lois taught me to make them. That does not mean that I haven’t tinkered with the recipe. I’ve made several changes from time to time (my variations will be listed below the recipe) but I never replaced the original.
I make these with Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate chips. I have used higher quality chocolate but it just doesn’t work as well, producing a chewy, dense filling. I also tried low-fat cream cheese in the crust, but that didn’t work at all; it produces a gooey mess.
I use a 24-cup mini muffin tin but once, when on vacation, used a 12-cup regular muffin tin and they worked just fine.
Thank you, Lois, for these small wonders! I know my readers will love them. Enjoy!
Chocolate Tarts
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Jim M.
May 9, 2011 at 2:15 amDavid–
Can't wait to make these– and it will make use of the tamper that's been languishing in my drawer for years!
Anonymous
May 9, 2011 at 11:13 amDavid this looks wonderful, I love how you made indentations in the crust.. I don't have a mini muffin pan, but I bet I could find one here.
My Little Expat Kitchen
May 9, 2011 at 11:20 amDavid, you've hit the spot with these. I wanna make them right away. That first photograph is fetching!
We have a thing in common, I studied music as well! Of course I never played with an orchestra but my love for music runs deep.
Magda
Cocoa & Lavender
May 9, 2011 at 1:35 pm@ Jim – the tamper is one of my favorite gadgets ever! … Well, at least it is ONE of my favorites!
@ Elle Marie – I found my pan (which came with the tamper) online. I hope you can find one, as there are many wonderful sweet and savory dishes that can be made in them.
@ Magda – thanks, Magda – they are so tasty and really (if you can limit yourself to one), they aren't that bad for you! What was your instrument/voice when you studied music?
Anonymous
May 9, 2011 at 8:54 pmDavid Darling,
We so remember your wonderful yummy dinners and the beautiful way you set the scene for the evening. Most vividly your Christmas tree with real candles on each branch. What a treat! Your friendship fills my memory bank.
Love and hugs,
Norma
Cocoa & Lavender
May 10, 2011 at 2:02 pmNorma,
If we could find a fresh Christmas tree in Tucson, we would use candles still. Actually, we still use the candles – just on a wrought iron tree! Much safer! I also remember the yummy dinners at your home – BBE! (Best Brisket Ever!)
Love, David
Anonymous
May 21, 2011 at 1:24 pmI wanted to let you know that I made these tarts last night to take to a party tonight. You were right about how easy they were to make (I'm more of a savory cook than a baker, but they came out looking just like yours and tasting wonderful)! Mary Beth
Cocoa & Lavender
May 24, 2011 at 7:42 pmMary Beth – so glad you enjoyed the little tarts. I love it when people discover how easy they are!
David
Unknown
March 11, 2018 at 4:06 pmlovely post david. I have always been intrigued by pastry made also with cream cheese. I will earmark these. On the Italian net there is also a famous cream cheese flaky pastry that looks really cool (a richer version of the ricotta flaky pastry in Hazan's essentials). thanks stefano… er… u mentioned a viennese chocolate pound cake???? I just checked and it is not here.. any chance of having the recipe (when u have time…).. meanwhile I can see u have a gianduia cake, whose recipe I was looking for.. ciao e grazie, stefano
Cocoa & Lavender
March 12, 2018 at 3:07 pmCiao, Stefano! I am traveling for work this week, but will send you the Viennese chocolate pound cake as soon as I get home. The gianduia cake is fantastic – a bit heavy on the better, but still exquisite.
Sippity Sup
March 14, 2018 at 12:10 amI've never seen that tamper method. I'm fascinated by it. Thanks GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
March 15, 2018 at 12:56 pmThe tamper makes it so incredibly easy, Greg – and makes all the shells uniform.