pear and chocolate tart

Pear and Chocolate Tart

So, I graduated this weekend. I got my Masters. That is crazy. It is remarkable to think that its over; I am ecstatic, but also a bit sad. This has been my home for the past two years, and while I am so pumped to begin a new season, I am also grieving the thought of leaving people.

On Friday, my program had a potluck barbeque to hang-out one last time before graduation, and to introduce our parents and families to one another. I wanted to bring a dessert, and needed something fast and easy. This is a free-form pear and chocolate tart. It is so basic and really great for a potluck. 

Baked on a cookie sheet or pizza stone

Pear and Chocolate Tart
1/2 cup butter, diced
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 Pears, peeled and sliced thinly
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used white and dark)
1 Tablespoon Milk

Dump the flour, salt and powdered sugar onto a working surface. Make a indent in the middle and crack the eggs into the flour. Add the butter and begin to mix with your fingertips until all ingredients are well incorporated. Knead until the dough can form a ball. Cover and place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

After dough is chilled, roll it out into a circle with a diameter of about 13 inches. Place on a cookie sheet or a pizza stone lined with tin foil. Toss the pears with brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Pour onto the dough, leaving a half-inch border all the way around. Cover with the chocolate chips. Fold the sides of the dough up around the pear mixture. (See below). Brush the dough with milk.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until crust is golden and pears are tender. Serve warm in squares or slices. Its great with ice cream!

Fold dough up around pear mixture.