anticipate the end

Here’s an entertaining maxim- minimize the last minute fuss. Make as much as possible ahead of time. This blue ribbon winner can be made three days in advance. What party wouldn’t want a sweet ending like this? The secret ingredient for the chocolate truffle tart…

Nabisco’s Famous chocolate Wafers

And 60% cacoa bittersweet chocolate

Place 28 wafers in the bowl of a food processor

Pulse until fine

Combine with the melted butter

Wrap the outside of a springform pan with foil (just in case there is a leak), lightly butter the inside

Put the crumbs in the pan. Tap down with a smooth measuring cup, coming up 1 ½ inches on the side

Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, then cool completely on a wire rack

Melt chocolate with butter in the microwave at 50% power

Stir until smooth, cool

Whisk together the eggs, cream, sugar, salt and vanilla

Whisk in the chocolate mixture

Pour on top of the crust, tap gently to remove any air bubbles

Bake at 350 degrees until just set, about 20 minutes, the center should still “tremble”. Let cool completely. Refrigerate for four hours uncovered to set. Cover and refrigerated for up to three days. To serve remove sides of the pan, sprinkle with sifted unsweetened cocoa powder and cut into slices.