This week’s TWD pick was a chocolate cream pie that seemed to be very similar to a chocolate silk pie I make every Thanksgiving and Christmas. (See here for the recipe for that one.) I thought I’d make it and compare the two, although I was pretty sure mine would win. It’s awesome.
However, I left this for the last minute, and I made it miniature. (We were also having cheesecake for the Daring Bakers challenge, also left for the last minute, and we really didn’t need two full-size desserts, even though it was #2 Son’s birthday.)
I made one-third of the recipe and baked it in a 5-inch springform pan.
The crust came together and rolled out really nicely, but it was dry. My magic pie uses (gasp!) a store-bought graham cracker crust, and it’s a perfect foil for the chocolate. The chocolate crust on this pie was just too much chocolate. I didn’t know such a thing was possible, but it is.
#1 Son made the cream, because I was at karate. So I don’t know how hard it was; when I came home there was a cute little pie waiting for me in the fridge.
I put canned whipped cream (another gasp!) on top; I couldn’t see trying to whip a sixth of a cup of cream.
It tasted OK, but just OK. It’s not going to replace my magic pie or anything. (Really, you ought to try that one. Get some nice free-range eggs so you don’t have to worry as much about salmonella, because it’s totally worth the risk.)
And without further ado:
Husband: I liked the puddingy middle, but the crust was too much. It was chocolate overkill.
#1 Son: I thought it had a really flat flavor, and the crust was incredibly dry. Didn’t like it.
#2 Son: It’s akin to an Oreo with both chocolate and vanilla filling, softened lightly in milk. Delicious. Tasty tasty tasty.
I really dropped the ball creativity-wise with this one. And skill-wise. And writing-wise. And the photos are pretty bad too. I apologize.
This recipe was chosen for us this week by Kim of Scrumptious Photography; she’ll have the recipe posted if you want to try it yourself. And go see what all the other TWD bloggers did with this one — there are sure to be all kinds of interesting variations, along with some good writing and photography. Unlike here.
8 replies on “Tuesdays With Dorie: Chocolate Cream Tart”
I love reading the responses from your husband and sons – makes me smile. I loved this one, but H thought it was chocolate overkill, too. I think it would be good with just about any crust though. I’m thinking that next time using a plain sweet tart crust or even a regular pie crust would be just fine.
So sweet of your son to make the custard.
Too bad this wasn’t your favorite…I think a regular tart crust or even a pie crust would help to off-set the sweetness of the chocolate. I think I’ll try that next time. They look great, though!
I agree with Kara about how much I enjoy reading the family input on the recipe. This pie reminded me of a chocolate cream pie that my aunt makes for Thanksgiving every year, too. I did like this one better, though. I will admit that graham crackers sound great with chocolate, though!
Funny how different everyone thinks. It looks good and tasty. I liked it with the chocolate crust, but it was rich. Great job on the joint effort.
I think you were plenty creative…love the little minis. Fun to read everyone’s thoughts on the whole deal…yours looks just wonderful.
i think everything looks great. i kind of felt the same way you did when you said how you felt about the creativity, skill, photos, etc. this was a strange week for me as well in those areas. i loved the tart though, especially the filling. how nice of your son to get that started for you. i wish i had someone at my house to do that!
Well, I’m glad son number 2 liked it! I love that he made the pudding for you!