Pear & Chocolate Tart

Unusual combination, no? I have to admit, I did not think of this flavor combination -- when my husband and I were in Paris last fall, we had a wonderful tart with these elements. Then, when I came home, I discovered that pear and chocolate tarts are actually a pretty typical French dessert!

Having an abundance of pears from some Christmas fruit, I wanted to put them to good use. This tart isn't an exact replica of what we had, but it tastes similar to what I remember.There are a few steps to this tart, but it is not terribly difficult.

Ingredients:

1 pie crust

1 large pear

1 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or whatever chocolate you have)

2 eggs

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup whole milk

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and roll out the pie crust, poking holes with a fork.

Melt the chocolate using the double-broiler method, or melt it slowly in the microwave (I always scorch it in the microwave, so I just do it on the stove!). To do a double-broiler if your a terrible microwaver like me, boil water in a saucepan, and place a bowl with the chocolate chips on top, stirring intermittently. Remove as soon as melted!

While your chocolate is melting, chop the pear into slices. 

Once the chocolate is melted, spread it over the bottom of the pie crust. Arrange the sliced pear over the chocolate, making a circular pattern (very important to taste!).

Finally, whisk the sugar, eggs, and milk together until well-mixed. Pour onto the pears. 

Bake for 30 minutes, until custard has set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.