Three Whole Years: The Best Of (So Far).

This blog's third anniversary quietly slipped by at the end of January.  Three years!  Already!  Seems just yesterday I was fumbling my way around here, not knowing anything about anything in blogland.  Going through the archives has been a trip - I sometimes cringe at those early photos taken in bad light with poor composition, but am proud of how far my photos have come since then.  I laugh at some posts, thinking my God, did I really say that?  I look at the recipes, and think, holy cow, that was really good, I should make it again soon.  I read your sweet comments, and know that you guys are the reason I keep writing and photographing and whipping up the creations I do.  I'm still learning and fumbling and evolving around here.  Thanks for being along for the ride!  I hope the next three years are just as rewarding and exciting, full of good food, tantalizing photos, adventures and a good measure of cat talk.  Believe me when I say the opportunities that have come my way because a girl in Saskatoon likes to photograph and write about the food she makes in her little green kitchen have been a blessing.  Truly.  I am humbled. 

Citrus & Dark Chocolate Mascarpone Tart

 

Oh sweet February.  Your arrival not only marks a month closer to Spring, but also the nod to eat things other than quinoa and kale.  Not that there is anything wrong with quinoa and kale.  Just sometimes you reach your quota for a bit and want to indulge in something a little, um, bad for you.  Moderation, people.  Moderation.  Life is too short to deprive oneself of food that makes your eyes roll back into your head.  When is the last time quinoa did that for you?

True story.  This is the first baking I've done since Christmas.  I don't think I've even cobbled together muffins.  I know!  Who is this person?  Things got busy after the holidays, then I went away for a week, then things got busy again.  And also, some Sunday afternoons I feel more like going to the movies than creaming together butter and sugar.  So many good movies to see before Oscar!  By the way, Sandra Bullock in Gravity.  Holy smokes.  Remind me not to travel to space, okay? 

My baking hiatus was broken by a most wonderful, seasonal tart.  A good pal came over, wanting to watch me bake and and pick up tips.  But while that did happen, we mostly drank tea, gossiped and watched Desperately Seeking Susan, the VHS version.  Yes, I still have a VCR plugged into the wall.  But if one has to watch Madonna in a movie, it might as well be on scratchy, jumpy video cassette, right? 

So, about this tart, it looks fancy shmancy, but it's not that bad.  Puff pastry is your friend, and you want a box with two sheets in it - the stuff that is already rolled out is handy.  That braid looks intimidating to pull off, but it's just strips of puff pastry covered in chocolate, stacked on top of each other, sliced and twisted.  Easy peasy.  A not-too-sweet citrus mascarpone and cream cheese filling is spread on the base and topped with slices of oh so photogenic blood, cara cara and navel oranges.  Slice them thin and be sure to pick out the seeds if any of those pesky rascals find their way near your tart.

I thought baking orange slices could be weird, or too liquidy, but I was wrong on both counts.  The citrus hold their shape and bake into the creamy filling - the puff pastry base is the buttery perfection you expect it to be, but the real show stopper is that chocolate braid.  People will fight over the edge pieces.  Good thing I live alone so I don't have to share.  The drizzle of good maple syrup and a light scattering of toasted almonds really make this dessert impressive.  And in case you're wondering, yes, it makes a fine breakfast - especially on terribly cold and way too early February mornings. 

Citrus & Dark Chocolate Mascarpone Tart

1 box of puff pastry (containing two sheets)
1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
1 egg yolk, whisked
1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese, softened
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp cane sugar
2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 oranges (navel, Cara Cara, blood), peeled and thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/3 cup pure maple syrup

If your puff pastry isn't already rolled flat, then do so, rolling both sheets approximately 9" x 13". 
Trim each to form a rectangle.  Place one sheet of puff pastry on a parchment lined bake sheet and prick all over using a fork.  Lightly dust your counter with flour and cut the second pastry sheet lengthwise into 3 even strips.  Spread the melted chocolate on top of two strips.  Place one chocolate strip on top of the other and top with the third clean strip.  Slice lengthwise into 6 strips.  Carefully twist two strips together to form a spiral shape.  Repeat with remaining strips.  Brush the outside edges of pastry sheet with egg yolk and carefully lay the twists on top - you may have to cut some to get a perfect fit.  Press gently so it sticks.  Place the tart in the fridge for 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cheeses, sugar, zest and salt.  Spread this over the chilled pastry.  Arrange the sliced oranges neatly over top.  Brush the chocolate twists with egg yolk.
Preheat oven to 375*F and bake approximately 30 - 40 minutes, until edges golden brown.
Serve tart warm, sprinkled with toasted almonds and drizzled with maple syrup.  Serves 6-8.
Recipe adapted from Style At Home October 2013.  
 

Cacti & Courage: A Phoenix Field Trip

 

"Here we are trapped in the amber of the moment.  There is no why."

~ Kurt Vonnegut 

I've been staring at the computer screen for several minutes, procrastinating by biting off chunks of Lindt chocolate, taking sips of hot tea, checking my Instagram feed, not knowing what to say about my trip to Phoenix, because there is SO much to say.  Like with any good story I guess I should start at the beginning, so here goes.  

A Winter's Salad of Dates, Pomegranate & Fresh Mozzarella

Oh me, oh my.  You guys.  I've just returned from one of the best weeks of my life.  For real.  No joke.  I'm serious.  Phoenix was all kinds of over-the-top fun.  So many moments seized; so many times I had to pinch myself it was real.  I'll tell you all about it...in good time.  I'm a total meanie, I know!  There are photos that need to be tinkered with and a million thoughts running through my brain, but hopefully by the weekend you'll hear all about it.  In the meantime I have a lovely, lovely salad to share with you.  See, I'm not a total meanie, after all.  

Favourites For A New Year

Ten days in and I hope your new year is off to the grandest of starts.  I've been trapped in the deepest deep freeze ever (-50 with the wind really is a thing!), but unlike previous years when I wallow and complain and throw myself into a why-do-I-live-here tantrum, this year I'm pretty chill (horrible pun intended).  No, I haven't been abducted by aliens, but I am going somewhere decidedly warmer tomorrow.  Phoenix, look out.  I'm coming for you.  A combination work-play trip, I'm ever so happy to shed my layers and cumbersome parka in exchange for swimsuit and summer skirts.  Yeah, I'm totally grinning right now.  I haven't had a warm winter vacay in ten (10!) years, and it's about time. I'll only be gone a week, but it's sure to be jam packed with fun times. Who knows, I may even acquire one of those things called tans, says the girl who never tans

Yeasted Brown-Butter Waffles & How Ren Got Her Groove Back

“I hope you live a life you’re proud of.  If you find you’re not, 

I hope you have the strength to start all over again."  ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

This post title sounds like it could have been an episode of the Oprah show, but bear with me.  There's a waffle recipe at the end of it.  I've never been on a roller coaster, but 2013 sure as hell felt like it.  Highs, lows, good, bad and everything in between.  It started off badly, with a break-up not unlike the Post It Episode.  Just swap in a text message and you get the drift.  I was very, very sad then very, very angry.  Looking back, it's hard to read those early 2013 posts.  My mind and my heart were all over the place, and at times the sadness was all consuming.  I leaned on my family and friends as much as I could; surrounded by all things that made me happy and gave me comfort.  The kind words left here were like a warm blanket - thank you.  I prayed for time to quicken so I could get out of the darkness.  Somewhere along the line, a few months in, I realized that the sadness and anger weren't doing much for my complexion nor my spirit.  When I looked in the mirror I didn't recognize the eyes staring back.  Bloodshot, tired, not bright and shining.  Enough was enough. I couldn't change what had happened, but I could change how I carried on, forging forth.  I went away for a bit, which helped tremendously.  A change of scenery always does a girl good.   And then there was that pesky gallbladder surgery to deal with.  Never had I been more afraid, but obviously, I survived to tell the tale.  The downtime also did me good - got me thinking about what I wanted to do when I grew up; what I could change that would me happier.  As serendipity, or luck, or whatever you want to call it would have it, a phone call out of the blue changed my career path, and because of that one phone call I'm doing something I love so much.  There's plenty to be said about being lifted out of a rut - emotionally, professionally, mentally.  Once one thing falls into place, so many other good things follow.  And that's where I sit now.  As I cross the threshold of a new year tonight, I will for sure give a little whoop.  I did it.  I plowed through obstacles that at times seemed insurmountable.  With those last dying seconds before midnight, I will be grateful for it all.  

Twinkle, Twinkle: Sparkling Cranberries

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas Eve is upon us.  Are you ready?  I'm not quite there, but I want to spare just a few minutes to wish you the sweetest of holiday greetings.  And to share these lovely sparkling cranberries.  I've made them as a garnish for cakes, and luckily they've lasted long enough to be dropped into glasses of prosecco tonight.  It's time to put our feet up, tuck into the cheeseball, have somewhat competitive (not combative) games of Yahtzee, and more than one viewing of Christmas Vacation.  My whole entire family is gathering together - the first time in five years - and I'm looking forward to seeing the twinkling eyes of the young and not so young.  I hope the magic of Christmas surrounds you and yours.  Renée xoxo