Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart with Hazelnut Praline and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

Prep Time: Estimated 30 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 25 minutes
Total Time: Estimated 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, water, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly pour the hot cream mixture over the melted dark chocolate, whisking continuously until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the toasted hazelnuts, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter until evenly combined.
6. Press the hazelnut mixture into the bottom of a tart pan, forming an even crust.
7. Pour the chocolate caramel mixture over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
9. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely.
10. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until soft peaks form.
11. Serve the Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream and garnish with additional hazelnuts, if desired.

Dry Rubs

For a versatile all-purpose dry rub, combine equal parts of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple yet flavorful blend complements a wide range of meats, making it a go-to option for various grilling or smoking recipes.

Wet Rubs

For a smoky and savory wet rub, combine ingredients like tomato paste, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of liquid smoke. This bold wet rub is ideal for ribs, pork shoulder, or even grilled vegetables, imparting a rich and smoky flavor.

Spice Blends

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a unique and aromatic flavor to dishes. It typically includes dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, mixed with toasted sesame seeds and sumac. Za'atar can be used as a seasoning for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even sprinkled over bread and dips.

Infused Oils

Infused oils offer a delightful way to add unique flavors and aromas to your culinary creations. By steeping herbs, spices, or other flavorings in oil, you can infuse it with their essence and enhance the taste of your dishes.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are blossoms that can be consumed as part of a dish or used as garnishes. They add visual appeal and delicate flavors to both sweet and savory dishes. Some common edible flowers include pansies, marigolds, nasturtiums, violets, lavender, and roses. Edible flowers can be used in salads, desserts, cocktails, or as a decorative element on cakes or pastries. It's important to note that not all flowers are edible, so it's essential to use flowers specifically labeled as edible.

Marinades

Marinades are a fantastic way to infuse your meats with flavor and tenderize them at the same time. By combining ingredients like citrus juices, vinegar, herbs, and spices, you can create a delicious marinade that will enhance the taste and texture of your meats. If you're looking for high-quality marinade injectors to ensure even distribution of flavor, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

For a bold and spicy kick, try a chili lime marinade. Combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Marinate your choice of protein for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. The result is a tangy and zesty flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.

If you prefer a sweet and savory marinade, consider a teriyaki marinade. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of pineapple juice. Marinate your meats for a few hours to overnight, and then cook them to perfection. The teriyaki marinade adds a delicious umami flavor to chicken, beef, or salmon.

For a Mediterranean-inspired marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a touch of honey. Marinate your choice of protein for a few hours, and then grill or sauté it. The Mediterranean marinade infuses the meat with a fresh and herbaceous flavor that pairs well with lamb, pork, or vegetables.

Dry Mixes

Dry mixes are convenient and versatile flavor enhancers that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are typically made by combining dried herbs, spices, and other seasonings. Dry mixes are a great way to add quick and easy flavor to meats, vegetables, dips, and more. If you're in need of high-quality spice grinders to freshly grind your spices for dry mixes, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dry mix is taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use this mix to season ground beef or chicken for flavorful tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.

Another versatile dry mix is Italian seasoning. Mix dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and garlic powder. This blend is perfect for seasoning pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or homemade pizzas.

For a spicy kick, try a Cajun seasoning mix. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Use this mix to add flavor to shrimp, chicken, or roasted potatoes. It's also great for making Cajun-inspired dishes like jambalaya or gumbo.

Sauces

Sauces are the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, adding richness and flavor. From tangy barbecue sauce to creamy aioli, there's a sauce to suit every taste. Making your own sauces at home allows you to customize the flavors and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you're in need of high-quality saucepans for making delicious homemade sauces, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic sauce is hollandaise sauce. This rich and creamy sauce is made with egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It's traditionally served with eggs Benedict or as a topping for steamed asparagus.

If you're a fan of spicy flavors, try making a homemade sriracha sauce. Blend together red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. This fiery sauce adds a kick to dishes like stir-fries, tacos, or roasted vegetables.

For a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and then use it to glaze grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chicken wings.

Dressings

Dressings are a great way to enhance the flavors of salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Making your own dressings allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. From creamy ranch to tangy vinaigrettes, there's a dressing for every salad. If you're looking for high-quality salad dressing shakers for easy mixing and serving, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dressing is balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this tangy and slightly sweet dressing over mixed greens or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

For a creamy option, make your own Caesar dressing. Blend together mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Toss this rich and garlicky dressing with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

If you're a fan of Asian flavors, try a sesame ginger dressing. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, and minced garlic. This dressing pairs well with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, or as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.

Condiments

Condiments are the finishing touch that can take a dish from good to great. From tangy mustard to spicy hot sauce, condiments add flavor and depth to a variety of foods. Making your own condiments allows you to experiment with different flavors and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you're in need of high-quality condiment squeeze bottles for easy dispensing, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic condiment is homemade ketchup. Simmer together tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This tangy and slightly sweet ketchup is perfect for dipping fries, burgers, or hot dogs.

If you're a fan of spicy condiments, try making your own hot sauce. Blend together chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, salt, and a touch of sugar. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Drizzle this fiery sauce over tacos, eggs, or grilled meats.

For a tangy and refreshing condiment, make your own tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. This creamy and herby sauce is great for dipping pita bread, spreading on sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.