Try this rich torte as part of a selection of mini chocolate desserts – or assiete
Prep:20 mins
Makes 12 slices
175g dark chocolate, broken into pieces100g unsalted butter, room temperature100g golden caster sugar2 eggs plus 1 yolk, lightly beaten85g ground toasted hazelnut25g plain flour2 tbsp strong espresso coffee
STEP 1first make the pastry. sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and icing sugar into a bowl. Rub in butter until crumbly. Quickly mix in the eggs until everything comes together with the blade of a knife. Wrap in cling film. Chill for 30 mins. Roll out pastry and line a 21cm fluted loose-bottom tart tin. Chill for 20 mins. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.STEP 2line the pastry case with parchment paper, fill with baking beans and bake blind for 15 mins. Remove beans and cook for a further 5 mins. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2.STEP 3To make the filling, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave on High for 1-2 mins, then cool. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then gradually beat in the eggs, yolk, nuts and flour. Fold in the chocolate and coffee, pour into the case and bake for 25-30 mins, until crumbs cling to an inserted skewer (the middle of the torte won’t have set completely; it will continue to firm up out of the oven). Serve cut into thin slices, topped with crème fraîche or cream.
