Cherry Brownie Tart

You’ll never guess what we did this weekend.

Ryan and I want to a demolition derby!

I had no idea what a demolition derby was. Apparently you aren’t exposed to those things growing up in the suburbs. But now that we live in the middle of corn town USA, going to the demolition derby is what everyone does on a Saturday night.

Before we even went I had to get clarification from a friend what on exactly happens at these derbies. I wasn’t provided with a lot of details, but I think my friend wanted me to be surprised.

I’m not sure if I was more surprised at the derby or with the fight that broke out before it all started. It wasn’t even between 2 drivers, it was between 2 fans in the stands. It was way too much craziness for this girl, but I couldn’t help but look to see what was happening, I had never seen anything like that! Haha.

For anyone who doesn’t know what a demolition derby is, here’s the proper explanation – BUMPER CARS! Literally.. it’s like real live bumper cars.

We even saw a car that looked just like our old ford taurus that we sold back in March. We were joking that’s where our car went to die. And it could be the truth. It was one big ball of metal, in the shape of a car. I wonder if we would have gotten more money selling it to a demolition derby driver.

Now Ryan thinks it would be fun to be in a derby. I thinking.. never in a million years!

This isn’t a typical recipe for the blog. Normally I don’t use box mixes, but sometimes I like to bake the easy way. I call it the “I was just asked to bring dessert for tonight’s party” recipe. It will be done in no time, meaning you’ll have more time to do your hair, or if you’re like Ryan, more time for a pre-party nap :)

And taking a short cut by using a box of brownie mix means you’ll have time to make homemade chocolate curls. This tart just got infinitely fancier!

Cherry Brownie Tart

Yield: one tart

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box of brownie mix + ingredients listed on the back
• 1 container of cool whip, 8 oz
• 1 and 1/2 cans of cherry pie filling, 21 oz each
• 3 oz chocolate (i.e. chocolate chips)
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable shortening

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the brownie box.
2. Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the box.
3. Liberally butter the sides and bottom of a tart pan. I suggest using one with a removable bottom.
4. Place the tart pan on another baking sheet. Pour the brownie mix into the pan.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the brownie to cool completely.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the cool whip and one can of cherry pie filing.
8. Spread this mixture evenly around the brownie.
9. Use half of the second can of cherry pie filling to add cherries on top of the cool whip mixture.
10. Top with chocolate curls.

How to make chocolate curls

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate and vegetable shortening. Heat over low, stirring until the chocolate is melted.
2. Using the back side of a baking sheet, evenly spread the melted chocolate over the surface with a spatula. Spread it fairly thin.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the baking sheet and use something with a sharp edge, like a metal serving spatula, to scrape the chocolate from the bottom of the pan. If the chocolate doesn’t curl, it means it’s too cold, so allow it to warm up a bit and try again.
5. Place the chocolate curls on a plate and stick it in the freezer as soon as possible. I also like to place the curls in the freezer as I go so they don’t become too warm.