Chocolate Hazelnut Pretzel Tarts

Happy Valentine’s Day (or belated Galentine’s Day) or Palentine’s Day, whatever that is.  Whatever your thing is today, even if it’s just Thursday, I’ve got these chocolate hazelnut pretzel tarts coming at you to make it awesome.

This was one of those things that came together because of two other things. Remember the peanut butter pretzel tart? How ’bout those chocolate hazelnut bars? Well, those worlds combined and we have what we have today. Double the flavor, double the fun, double the magic.

As my friends and I celebrate this Hallmark holiday around the country, single girls most, we all have the little rituals that have become traditions over the years as each February 14th passes without anyone with whom to share it.  I have the added bonus of it being my half birthday, so single or not, I always have something to celebrate, and I choose to do it with something sweet.

This year my little family has an added something to celebrate. Last year, on Valentine’s Day, Mom was in the hospital, not looking good, and was wheeled into surgery around 8 pm. Luckily thanks to some very talented surgeons, a special guardian angel and no doubt a little nod from St. Valentine, she’s here to indulge with us.  

And she really loves chocolate. And always made a point to celebrate Valentine’s day, near or far.

Ground hazelnuts and crushed pretzels make up the base with butter to hold it together.  Chocolate ganache makes up the filling. Whipped cream, the real honest to goodness stuff, makes up the garnish, a necessary addition to cut the sweet-on-sweet.

This recipe makes two tartlets, one for you, and one for your val/gal/pal.  If you are all by your lonesome, celebrate it, because that just means there is more for you.

And just for the record, I love you guys- thanks for sticking around.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pretzel Tarts

February 14, 2019

Servings: 2

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 10 min

Total: 35 min

Difficulty: Easy

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Ground hazelnuts and crushed pretzels come together for a crust filled with dark chocolate ganache topped in these chocolate hazelnut pretzel tarts.

By: Chrissy

Ingredients

• 2 cups mini unsalted pretzels
• 4 TB unsalted butter, melted
• 1 TB brown sugar
• 1/2 finely chopped hazelnuts
• 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 TB unsalted butter
• whipped cream to serve

Directions

• Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350F.
• Step 2 In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the pretzels until it forms a coarse meal (its okay if some chunks are left). Measure out 3/4 cup of the pulverized pretzels and add to a bowl, and set aside any remaining crumbs or another use. To the bowlful of pretzels, add the sugar, hazelnuts and melted butter. Mix with a fork until just well combined. Press into an even layer in the bottom and sides of two mini-tart shells (or, I used creme brûlée ramekins). Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.
• Step 3 While the crust is cooling, add the chocolate and butter to a heatproof glass bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream until just barely a simmer. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit 1 minute. Whisk until silky smooth.
• Step 4 Divide the chocolate evenly into the two tartlet shells. Chill at least 20 minutes until set (can be done overnight). Serve with sweetened whipped cream and garnish with chopped hazelnuts.