Sokolaes Putu Torte

The Sokolaes Putu Torte is a delightful chocolate mousse tart that combines a crisp pastry base with a rich and silky chocolate mousse topping. This sophisticated dessert is perfect for special occasions or for those who have a deep appreciation for chocolate. The delicate balance of flavors and textures stems from the buttery shortcrust pastry, topped with smooth, bittersweet chocolate mousse. The preparation involves creating a tender pastry shell, which is then filled with a luxurious chocolate mousse made with dark chocolate, eggs, and cream. The cooling and setting time in the refrigerator enhances the flavors and ensures a perfect texture. The final touch of garnishing with chocolate shavings and a dusting of powdered sugar gives it a professionally appealing look. This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of cream, offering a blissful harmony of tastes. With a bit of patience and care, you can craft a dessert that will impress and delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for the Pastry:

• 200g flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 40g sugar
• 125g butter
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp crème fraîche or heavy cream

Main Ingredients for the Mousse:

• 200g dark chocolate
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp sugar
• 200g whipped cream

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients for both the pastry and the mousse to ensure a smooth preparation process.
2. For the pastry, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, blend until it forms a crumbly mixture.
3. Add the egg and crème fraîche into the mixture and continue mixing until it forms a smooth dough.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (about 356 degrees Fahrenheit) while the dough is chilling.
6. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface and use it to line a tart pan with removable sides.
7. Bake the pastry shell for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
8. For the mousse, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it using a double boiler or gently over simmering water.
9. Separate the egg yolks from the whites, setting aside the whites for later use.
10. Whisk the egg yolks until smooth, gradually adding sugar while whisking. Incorporate the melted chocolate gradually into the yolk mixture.
11. In separate bowls, beat the whipped cream into stiff peaks, and do the same with the egg whites.
12. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-yolk mixture, ensuring it's well combined.
13. Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.
14. Pour the chocolate mousse into the cooled pastry shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
15. Chill the torte in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until firmly set.
16. Once set, garnish with chocolate shavings and a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
17. To serve, cut into slices using a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for clean edges.
18. Consider pairing each slice with fresh raspberries or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
19. Take a moment to appreciate the silky texture and deep chocolate flavor of each bite as you serve.
20. Enjoy the compliments from your guests, who've been waiting patiently for this exquisite dessert.

Tips

• Substitute: If crème fraîche is unavailable, you can substitute with sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Technique: When folding the ingredients for the mousse, use gentle, circular motions to retain air and create a fluffy texture.
• Storage: Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and are best consumed within two days.

Nutritions (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbs: 40g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for the pastry.
• Vegan: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and replace eggs with aquafaba or an egg replacer. Use coconut cream for the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light plum coulis for a balanced taste.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or seasonal fruit for added color and freshness.

Best Places

• Ladurée - Renowned for its exquisite pastries and sophisticated atmosphere.
  Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Cafe Demel - A historic cafe offering traditional European desserts.
  Location: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Caffè Florian - Offering delightful pastries with a backdrop of Venetian history.
  Location: Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.
• Conditori La Glace - Denmark's oldest patisserie offering exquisite cakes and tarts.
  Location: Skoubogade 3, 1158 København K, Denmark.
• Café Sacher - Famous for the original Sachertorte, this cafe offers a classic Viennese experience.
  Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Café Pouchkine - Capturing Russian pastry elegance with French techniques.
  Location: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France.
• Tartine Bakery - Known for its artisanal creations in a casual setting.
  Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, USA.
• Pastelería Escribà - Known for its artistic pastries and rich chocolate desserts.
  Location: La Rambla, 83, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
• Café Central - A classic Viennese café with a splendid choice of pastries.
  Location: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
• Confeitaria Colombo - Classic Brazilian café offering a blend of local and European sweets.
  Location: R. Gonçalves Dias, 32 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil.