Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Chocolate & Caramel, Oh My!

This is not the usually dinner that we serve around Chez but instead it is my second challenge with the Fabu DBs. This particular event was hosted by Veronica & Patricia and it was for a Milk Chocolate and Caramel Tart. Now, I am not a baker by any means. I can whip up a mean multi-course dinner but when it comes to baking I am usually a flop; therefore, I was pretty darn excited when I was invited to become part of this group. I loved their inspiration and I needed the challenge to get me away from the norm. This was my second challenge & in all honesty, I was scared. Much to my surprise, it was fun and easy! Here are my exact words to the group once I finished it ... "Perfect! I finished my challenge yesterday & I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was! Served it to L. and a guest for dessert. I was doubting it big time, for a few reasons: I don't usually make tarts, I felt the caramel filling was some what suspect, my milk chocolate topping disappointed me (maybe my cream had to high of a fat content? even though my melted chocolate was cooled down, it started melting the whipped cream)and I tried it twice, finally had to use the last batch. I put it in the fridge to cool while we had dinner and I thought for sure I was going to hate it. I told L. and W. to be really honest, that they would not hurt my feelings - L. said he would had preferred Dark (we both love dark), but that it was very good and W. said it was f----- great (sorry for the profanity, but those were his words and he is somewhat reserved)! My thoughts: it looked awesome even though the cream topping was not that pretty and I loved the caramel filling and the crust: but, would had preferred a darker chocolate!" Take a risk and challenge yourself. Enjoy!

22 comments:

slush said...

Looks great to me! I had trouble with my mousse too. I had flakes of chocolate that didnt incorporate. I think because the chocolate was still too warm when I combined. It didnt matter. It was gobbled up in no time and I know to let it cool more for next time.

Great job! xo

Lis said...

Aww good job! I'm glad you took the challenge! Your tart is gorgeous, Denise =)

xoxo

Elle said...

ooohhh I just want to grab the spoon in the last photo and help myself. your tart looks great. I agree that I'd refer dark chocolate, but your guest can't be all wrong, can he?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! You did a great job on your tart!

Dharm said...

Well done on the challenge! I agree that Dark Choc would be nicer but this is the fun in the DBs - doing something different we wouldnt normally do. Great Job!

Helene said...

Great job Denise! The tart looks great!

Aoife said...

Congratulations on taking the leap to baking! I hope you'll find that, as in this challenge, it's not as hard as you expect. Looks like you did great!

Peabody said...

Yep, I would have prefered a darker chocolate too.
Great job.

Alpineberry Mary said...

"Take a risk and challenge yourself." Now that's definitely a motto to live by. Very nicely done Denise!

Anne said...

I think it looks great! But I agree, a darker chocolate would have been nice.

fanny said...

The first picture is insanely appealing. Like a never ending chocolate and caramel tart. Yum!

Love xxx
- fanny

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

I love that last picture! Well done.

Anonymous said...

Love the pics. They all look extremely appetizing!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Denise, those feedbacks are incredible! Tks for sharing with us!
And I would like to try it again, too, with dark chocolate.

Unknown said...

Ha, and my mousse was too cold since I made it the day before but didn't spread it until the next....

Jenny said...

Well done Daring Baker!

Andrea said...

Great job! I love the photos (and the dinner guest who said it was f'ing great!) :-)

Amy said...

You did a great job! Your tart looks fabulous!

Katie said...

I agree dark chocolate would be great. You'll just ahve to make it again! Looks great.

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Wouldn't it be fun to see a bunch of these next week made with dark chocolate...No I am traveling and No I will not. But it would be fun.
It looks divine and does taste plenty good. One of my testers labeled it orgasmic!

Dolores said...

I love the reflection in your first photograph. And I share your pride in your success with this challenge... well done!

breadchick said...

Great job on your second challenge!! Love the tart pictures