LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

THE BACK PAGE

Cognac plays a strong supporting role in this decadent holiday tart. A Splash of Cognac

WHAT WE USED A basic brandy would get lost against robust dark chocolate, so we went with Courvoisier VS Cognac (LCBO 1925, $65.95) , a harmonious blend of young and old spirits. With fruity flavours and floral aromas, it acts like vanilla in sweets. This fine Cognac is also available in convenient half bottles (LCBO 423442, 375 mL, $33.45) . —By Michael Elliott

CHOCOLATE COGNAC TART (P. 246) With the caramel sweetness of Cognac and the bitterness of espresso, this divine tart hits all the right notes for a sophisticated holiday dessert. The almond shortbread crust is buttery and delicate, the perfect foil for the intense ganache. A garnish of chocolate-covered coffee beans gilds the lily, and sparkly gold leaf adds extra wow factor.

+ Incorporating the Cognac after the ganache has cooled preserves its delicate flavours. + Use dark chocolate that's at least 70 per cent to give the tart the proper intensity.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD TSANG; FOOD STYLING BY LINDSAY GUSCOTT; PROP STYLING BY SHELLY SHNIER

248 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022