Just Do It (Raspberries and Cream Tart)

Sometimes you gotta go for it.  You gotta take the new job.  You gotta have that second glass of wine.  You gotta say I do.  You gotta close your eyes, open the door and just do it.

Sometimes, you gotta buy raspberries in January.

I know, I know.  I believe in buying in season like all the organic earth mothers out there.  Usually summer fruit is reserved for summer.  But...but...there I was, buying carrots and potatoes, when across the produce aisle I spied these yummy berries.  They were so red, so plump and delicious looking that I caved in and bought them.

Traditions (Gluten Free Apple Tart)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Ours was full of family, food and relaxation, which in my book makes it about the best holiday you could have.  Since we've been a little busy, what with having a newborn and all, my mother in law offered to cook this year.  Our families gathered together over turkey, wine and applesauce.

Baby's first Thanksgiving - he was even sleeping excitedly.

It is a tradition in my husband's family that they have homemade applesauce for every family dinner.  Bob's grandmother would make a huge batch of it a few times a year and freeze it, so it was always available whenever the family would eat together.  Since she passed away in 2009, there has been a void where homemade applesauce once was.  My mother in law, now that she's the grandmother, has taken it upon herself to learn the secret applesauce recipe.  This recipe apparently requires a particular kind of apple, which she was able to order online.  And, since apparently it's cheaper to buy said apples in bulk, I now have a giant bag of apples sitting here staring at me.

Lots and lots of apples.  A plethora of apples.

I got the blues... (Blueberry Tarts)

I should start calling the blog "things to do with millions of blueberries". Today is blueberry tart day. I found this recipe in Real Simple last year and adapted it to hand pastries that I could take to picnics and Mandatory Mojito and Margarita Movie Monday (which is exactly what it sounds like) with the gang. They were a big hit, and I decided to make them again to commemorate a second summer of MMMMM.


Blueberry Tarts
(adapted from Real Simple)

2 pie crust sheets (I use the Pillsbury ones)
1 tbsp turbinado sugar (for dusting)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp confectioner's sugar + extra for dusting
2 cups blueberries

Cut the pie sheets into 4 inch circles and place them into muffin pans. I can usually get 18, if I roll out the leftovers again. Using a knife, gently score the bottoms so they don't puff up. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the dough. Bake at 375 for 14-16 minutes, until golden brown. Allow them to cool, then remove from the muffin pans.



Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add cream, confectioner's sugar, and lemon zest. Beat until smooth. Using a teaspoon or a pastry bag, top the pastry shells with 1 to 1-1/2 tsp cream cheese mixture. Top with blueberries. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days (if they last that long). Enjoy outside, with friends!

(I think they would make Martha proud :-)