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Chocolate tart for Valentine's Day

The Associated Press

5:12 PM EST, January 21, 2008

This sophisticated bitter chocolate tart from Mario Batali incorporates a touch of anise and cinnamon. A Valentine's Day variation could be made with raspberry accents instead. Just omit the cinnamon and substitute 6 tablespoons of raspberry coulis for the anise seeds and anisette. Skip the glaze and serve with more coulis and fresh raspberries.

And if you don't have a dessert wine, water also works for the pastry.

BITTER CHOCOLATE TART

Serves 8

Special equipment: 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom Pie weights or dry beans

Pastry:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1/4 cup sweet dessert wine, such as vin santo

Filling:
10 1/2 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
11/2 cups heavy cream
2 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed
1 tablespoon anisette (an anise liqueur)

Glaze: