Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Tart

This delightful tart combines the rich, bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate with the tartness of fresh cherries and the crunch of roasted almonds. The buttery tart crust provides a traditional base while a hint of almond extract adds a creative twist. Perfect for dessert, this tart is both visually stunning and delicious, making it a great choice for special occasions or a sweet treat any day. It's vegetarian-friendly and can be made with gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water
• 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the egg yolk and ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
4. Prick the bottom with a fork and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and chopped dark chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Let it cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell.
7. Arrange the halved cherries and chopped almonds on top of the chocolate filling, pressing them in gently.
8. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
9. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.