Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until combined.
   • Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water, then pulse until the dough comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add another tablespoon of ice water.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Roll out the crust:

   • Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
   • Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough.

4. Blind bake the crust:

   • Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
   • Remove the parchment paper and weights, then return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until set and dry. Let cool slightly.

5. Prepare the filling:

   • In a blender or food processor, pulse the hazelnuts until finely ground.
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk until just simmering.
   • Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Gradually whisk the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth. Stir in the ground hazelnuts.

6. Bake the tart:

   • Pour the filling into the prepared tart crust.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.

7. Serve:

   • Once cooled, you can dust the tart with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for decoration.
   • Serve slices of the chocolate hazelnut tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate hazelnut tart!