Brownie Tart (Joy of Baking)

Brownie Tart

• 1 cup (110 grams) pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped into pieces
• 14 tablespoons (200 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3 ounces (85 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate(chopped into small pieces)
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa, preferably Dutch-processed
• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 ounces (85 grams) regular cream cheese, cut into pieces (do not use low fat varieties)
• 1/2 cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ganache:

• 2 ounces (60 grams) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream

To toast nuts:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and toast nuts for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool and then chop into pieces.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
3. Set the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
4. Grease, or spray with a nonstick vegetable spray, a 9 inch (23 cm) fluted tart pan with a removable bottom, and then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
5. In a heatproof bowl, placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter and chopped chocolate.
6. When the chocolate has melted transfer the mixture to a larger bowl.
7. Beat in (I use a hand mixer) the cocoa, then the sugar, into the chocolate mixture, until incorporated.
8. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
10. Beat in the vanilla extract and then beat in the cream cheese, until small pieces remain.
11. Add the flour and salt and mix by hand just until the flour is incorporated.
12. Stir in the nuts.
13. Place the tart pan onto a large baking sheet to catch any drips.
14. Pour the batter into the tart pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
15. The batter will fill the pan almost to the top.
16. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the batter has set.
17. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.
18. Then, with the end of a wooden spoon (1/2 inch diameter) (1.25 cm) that is well greased (I spray it with Pam), make holes (spacing them evenly about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart) into the top of the brownie tart.
19. As you insert the end of the wooden spoon into the tart twist the spoon to prevent the tart from tearing.
20. You should have about 25-30 small holes.
21. Then, with a small spoon fill the holes with the ganache.
22. The ganache will sink as it cools so add more ganache, as needed.
23. Let the tart cool completely and then cover and refrigerate.
24. It is best to make this tart the day before serving to allow the flavors to blend. This tart will keep in the refrigerator for about two to three weeks.
25. While the tart is baking make the Ganache:
26. Place the chopped chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Set aside.
27. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
28. Bring just to a boil.

Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.