BITTERSWEET TRUFFLE TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• FOR CRUST:.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds, butter, and cocoa powder.
• Beat with an electric mixer until combined.
• Knead gently with hands until mixture comes together.
• Press dough onto the bottom and up the side of an ungreased 9- or 9 1/2-inch fluted square or round tart pan that has a removable bottom or a 9-inch pie plate.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until crust is slightly puffed.
• Cool in pan on a wire rack.
• FOR FILLING:.
• In a medium saucepan, combine whipping cream, the 12 ounces chocolate, and the granulated sugar.
• Cook over medium heat just until chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally.
• Transfer to a medium bowl; whisk in strawberry jam.
• Cover and chill about 1 hour or until mixture is cooled and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Beat cooled chocolate mixture about 30 seconds or just until the color lightens slightly.
• Pour into crust, spreading evenly.
• Cover and chill about 2 hours or until firm.
• PEREPARE WHIPPED ALMOND MASCARPONE:.
• In a medium bowl, combine half of an 8-ounce carton mascarpone cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup whipping cream, and 1/8 teaspoon almond extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
• Beat on high speed until mixture is thick and holds firm peaks.
• TO SERVE:.
• Using a small sharp knife, gently loosen edge of crust from side of pan. Remove side of tart pan.
• Spread the whipped mascarpone over top of tart.
• If desired, sprinkle each serving with the chocolate shavings. Makes 10 servings.