-
1
CRUST:.
-
2
Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375F.
-
3
Butter 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
-
4
Blend flour, sugar, and salt in processor.
-
5
Add 1/2 cup butter; process until mixture resembles coarse meal.
-
6
Add egg yolks; process until moist clumps form.
-
7
Add cocoa nibs; blend in using on/off turns.
-
8
Press dough onto bottom and up sides of prepared pan.
-
9
Bake until crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
-
10
Cool in pan on rack while preparing caramel filling.
-
11
FOR CARAMEL FILLING:.
-
12
Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in heavy medium saucepan.
-
13
Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
-
14
Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until mixture is deep amber, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 7 minutes.
-
15
Remove from heat; add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously).
-
16
Add butter and stir over low heat until caramel is completely smooth.
-
17
Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; stir in salt.
-
18
Cool 10 minutes.
-
19
Pour warm caramel into crust.
-
20
Let stand at room temperature until completely cool, about 45 minutes.
-
21
FOR GANACHE:.
-
22
Bring cream to simmer in small saucepan.
-
23
Remove from heat; add chocolate.
-
24
Whisk until smooth.
-
25
Let stand until slightly cooled but still pourable, about 10 minutes.
-
26
Pour ganache evenly over caramel filling.
-
27
Refrigerate tart uncovered until chocolate is firm, about 2 hours.
-
28
(Can be made 2 days ahead.
-
29
).
-
30
Cover and refrigerate.
-
31
DRUNKEN RASPBERRIES:.
-
32
Combine raspberries & liqueur in a small bowl; soak at room temperature at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours, prepare ahead.
-
33
(Can be made 1 day ahead.
-
34
).
-
35
Cover; chill.
-
36
VANILLA CREME FRAICHE:.
-
37
Spoon creme fraiche into small bowl; scrape in seeds from vanilla bean and stir to blend.
-
38
(Can be made 1 day ahead.
-
39
).
-
40
Cover and refrigerate.
-
41
ASSEMBLY:.
-
42
Brush top of tart with gold dust, if desired.
-
43
(It really does make the tart look beautiful - it's like putting a bow on the wrapped present.
-
44
).
-
45
Cut tart into thin slices.
-
46
Arrange 1 slice on each plate.
-
47
Spoon berries and creme fraiche alongside.
-
48
*Cocoa Nibs are shelled roasted cocoa beans; available at many specialty foods stores.