{cooking} chilli chocolate & pear tarts

i love my chocolate.  (that sound you hear, that's my husband choking/coughing/laughing in the background at that previous statement. he would call my love of chocolate, well, an obsession perhaps!)  chilli chocolate, in my humble opinion, is a pretty awesome part of the chocolate world...

my personal favourite is the Seatonfire Chilli chocolate (available in mild or wild varieties!) made by a family company in queensland - do yourself a favour and run (don't walk) to the specialty shops to buy some!

this is a little treat i made for my best friend when we caught up over the weekend. it's a gluten free tart that is sure to make a good impression! (and, it couldn't be easier).

ingredients

1 block dark chilli chocolate (usually about 80g), roughly chopped or grated

75g butter

3 eggs, separated

1/3 cup sugar, and an extra 2 tablespoons

100g ground almond meal

1 tin diced pears, drained (could also use fresh)

method
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over a low heat, until glossy. Allow to cool slightly before adding the sugar, egg yolks and almond meal. Mix well.
Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Add in the extra 2 tablespoons of sugar and beat well.
Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg whites carefully. Divide mixture between 6 greased ramekins. Add one piece of sliced pear into each ramekin, pushing it down slightly into the mixture.
Cook in a moderate 160degree oven for 35 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of fresh cream... Bon Appetit!

image :: Seatonfire