chocolate tart - weird separation happened

Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm making a chocolate tart filling that made in the past without incident. Basically:

1lb bitter sweet
pinch salt
1c cream
1/2 lb butter
2tbsp sugar

Heat the cream, salt, sugar to boil, add chocolate & butter til melted.

I decided to try adding 1tbsp of Chambord to the melt to try a add a slight raspberry flavor. As everything began to come together, it quickly started to separate with the chocolate becoming lumpy and a layer of clear oil/water on the surface. Gross!

I'm guessing it's the alcohol. If not, could it be the butter? I was using an el cheapo Smart & Final brand.

Meanwhile, off to the store for more chocolate and better butter....skipping the Chambord this time.

 

I searched through some of my cook books and in Jamie Oliver's he mentions that "the mixture may separate slightly, then let it cools some and whisk a little milk until smooth". Too bad I found this after I tossed the first batch, ran to the store, remelted sans Chambord and still got the separation. At least I know better than to toss this batch.

 

Agreed. I'm pretty sure it was too hot (> 120 degrees) on the first batch and the chocolate and oil separated. I've made this a without issue before, but it was a good learning experience to see the chocolate and oil separate...also kinda nasty.

Tart was a hit and now we are all stuffed.