The Healthy My Ass Cookbook

Caramel Maple Pecan Tart

A maple flavored caramel tart loaded with pecans and topped with chocolate.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Prepare the Tart Shell in a 9" fluted tart or quiche pan, but slightly under bake, about 15 minutes, and cool completely.

While the tart shell is baking, spread the Pecan Halves in the bottom of a metal 9x13" or larger pan.  Once the tart shell has been removed from the oven, roast the pecans at the same 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until they just become aromatic, stirring once halfway through roasting.  Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Melt the 3/4 cup of Butter in a 2 quart or larger saucepan over medium heat.  Add the Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Whipping Cream and bring to a hard foaming rolling boil stirring constantly.  Boil for 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the roasted pecans and continue stirring until it returns to a boil or for two minutes, whichever comes first.  Spoon the hot filling into the prepared tart shell.  Do not overfill as the caramel will expand as it bakes.

Bake for 15 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.  Do not let the expanding bubbling caramel rise to a level that would cause it to overflow the shell and seep between the shell and the pan.  Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes or until completely cool.

If the Dark Chocolate is not in pieces, cut it into small pieces.  Place the 1 teaspoon of Butter and the chocolate in an oven proof container.  When the oven temperature has dropped to about 200°F, put the container into the oven.  Check every few minutes until the chocolate has softened and you can stir to blend it smoothly with the butter.  Remove and immediately stir to blend in the 1 tablespoon of Whipping Cream, then drizzle artfully over the caramel maple pecan filling.

Refrigerate for at least one hour or until the filling is firm.  Serve at room temperature but refrigerate leftovers.

Notes:

In a pinch you can substitute the Perfect Pie Crust - No Top for the Tart shell here.

You can replace the maple syrup with corn syrup, light or dark, if you want to cut the sweetness or if you are not fond of maple.

This is more difficult and much sweeter with more calories than the Turtle Tart.

Serving Suggestions:

Needless to say, I've yet to hear anyone say no when offered this with a dollop of whipped cream.

See Also:

Turtle Tart - All the ingredients of turtle candy in a tart shell.