World Teachers’ Day is celebrated across the world on October 5. Ever since the importance of teachers has been recognized by the UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day has become an annual celebration. In many countries, Teachers’ Day is intended to be a special day for the appreciation of teachers. Usually, the date is chosen to honour a local educator or an important milestone in education and therefore this may not coincide in different countries, unlike other International Days.

Rarely does someone get to influence a person’s life
in a positive way for a lifetime, as a teacher can,
fostering optimism and confidence,
providing knowledge that leads to success,
and being a good role model,
as you have, and you are, and you will… forever.
I’ll remember you always.
Thank you.

Many of my teachers hold a very special place in my heart – some of them being father/mother figures, some as close friends and a few as confidantes. I’d like to thank all of them for imparting me knowledge as well as principles and values. From kindergarten till present, learning has been a continuous process with the support of my dear teachers. To celebrate this special day, I made one of my favourite desserts – tarte au chocolat – in the name of all those people who’ve been there throughout my life as my educators and mentors. 

TARTE AU CHOCOLAT

Ingredients:

100 g cold unsalted butter

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup wholewheat flour

100 g dark chocolate

60 ml heavy cream

Method:

  • Sift flours into a large mixing bowl. Cut butter into small cubes and rub into flour until mixture looks like fine crumbs.

  • Knead lightly until it comes together and forms a soft, supple dough. Add extra butter if the mixture is too dry.

  • Shape into a disc and wrap in clingfilm before leaving in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.

  • Remove the dough from fridge and roll out to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.

  • Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes to fit the cups of a bun pan or line base and sides of a tart pan. Return to fridge.

  • For the filling, heat cream in a medium saucepan over a double boiler until it bubbles over.

  • Roughly chop the dark chocolate and tip into the cream. Stir till mixture is smooth and remove from heat.

  • Take tart dough out of fridge and bake in a preheated oven at 350 oF for about 30 minutes until golden.

  • Turn out on a wire rack and cool completely before filling. Pour chocolate ganache into baked crust.

Happy Teachers’ Day!