Pear and Chocolate Tart

This is an old favourite in our house. It has been through many incarnations and can be adapted to suit your mood. Sometimes I cook it for much longer than indicated below (it’s better firmer if it’s to be served warm), and sometimes I put a layer of Seville orange marmalade on the pastry base before adding the pears. This version uses a variation on the ganache theme, substituting custard for cream in the ganache. The whites of the eggs are whipped and added at the end to give an even airi