Warm Chocolate Banana Tarts

Warm Chocolate Banana Tarts Holiday 2002 By: Dufflet Rosenberg This is a kissing cousin to a molten chocolate cake, but with a pastry base, The bananas give it an unusual twist. If you do not have tart tins use muffin cups instead. Tart Filling 1 recipe Pastry 1 to 2 ripe bananas 1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter 8 oz (250 g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 5 eggs 5 egg yolks ½ cup (125 mL) granulated sugar ½ cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour Pastry 2 ½ cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt 3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar 8 oz (250 g) butter, cut in small pieces 1 egg 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla essence 1. Combine the flour, salt and sugar in the food processor. Process to blend the ingredients together. Scatter the butter pieces over the dry ingredients. Pulse until the mixture is blended and resembles oatmeal flakes. 2. Whisk together the egg and vanilla. With the machine running, pour the egg mixture into the food processor. Process only until the ingredients begin to hold together. Remove the dough from the food processor and gently knead it together until it is smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out ¼-inch (5-mm) thick. Cut out twelve 4-1/2-inch (11-cm) circles and fit each into a 3-1/2-inch (9-cm) tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges and prick the pastry with a form. Line each tart with foil and fill with beans or rice. Bake until eggs are golden and bottom is set. Remove the foil and beans and bake another 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. 4. Divide the banana slices among the pre-baked tart shells. 5. Combine the butter and chocolate in a heavy saucepan and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Cool to room temperature. 6. Beat eggs, yolks and sugar on high until pale and thick and a ribbon forms, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and beat just until blended. Stir in the chocolate mixture. Divide among the baked tart shells. 7. Bake until firm around the edges but centre of filling moves slightly when shaken, about 8 minutes. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or heaping tablespoon of lightly whipped cream.