Cherry Tart with Cocoa Nib Crust

1. 1

   To prepare the crust, make the Chocolate Sugar Dough.

2. 2

   Knead in the cocoa nibs.

3. 3

   Press the dough into a flat disk, wrap with plastic or place in a sealable plastic freezer bag, and chill for 20 minutes or so.

4. 4

   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper or flat surface to about 1/2 inch thick.

5. 5

   Transfer to a tart pan (9 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep) by loosening the dough from the work surface with an offset spatula, then sliding the tart pan under it.

6. 6

   Once you smooth the dough in the tart pan (pinching any rips or cracks together with your fingers), line the top of the dough with a layer of almonds, lightly pressing them into the dough.

7. 7

   Cover this prepared tart shell with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 300F.

9. 9

   To make the custard, combine the milk and cream in a small saucepan with the vanilla bean pod and seeds.

10. 10

    Bring the mixture to a simmer.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, briskly whisk together the eggs, sugar, arrowroot, almond extract, nut liqueur, and salt in a bowl.

12. 12

    Remove the vanilla bean pod from the hot milk mixture and slowly pour one-third of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture and continue to whisk.

13. 13

    Repeat this process two more times and stir until the batter is smooth.

14. 14

    Remove the prepared tart shell from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap.

15. 15

    Put the cherries in the shell.

16. 16

    Then pour the batter over the cherries and allow the mixture to rest for about a minute.

17. 17

    Place a cake pan half full of water in the oven to keep the oven moist.

18. 18

    Place the tart pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the custard is lightly browned and solid, with no liquid jiggle in the center.

19. 19

    Allow the tart to cool in the pan to room temperature before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.