What’s not to love about such gorgeous ingredients? And most of these were purchased at my newly-discovered paradise: the Aptos Farmer’s Market. Locally grown AND delicious!
I’ll have to warn my friends. My obsession with foodie photography will only worsen as we move into the summer months and I suddenly find myself with more time on my hands. It happens every year. The sunny weather, less demanding schedule, and abundance of fresh ingredients, are too much to resist. I hear the siren call of succulent fare and I am swept away!
Last year I was especially proud of this EASY plum tart:
Directions:
- Place 1 thawed puff pastry sheet (half of a 17.3-ounce package) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using the tip of a knife, score a 1-inch border around the pastry without cutting all the way through. Scatter 3 thinly sliced red plums within the border and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake at 375° F until the edges of the dough are golden and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 4.
By Kate Merker and Sara Quessenberry, August 2010
Only three ingredients but so yummy! Perfect for an impromptu brunch or afternoon tea with the ladies.
I also love pouring over a new cookbook every once in a while and spending a few weeks trying out the recipes that catch my eye. My sweetheart picked this one up for me (uh huh, he’s clever that one—knew if he gave me a cookbook that he would soon reap the rewards of home cooking!):
I tried out several of the recipes, including the cucumber and salmon bites and the crabbed stuffed mushrooms, shown here.
Some of the recipes were more complicated than others, but I have a feeling I’m up for the challenge this year. This cookbook hasn’t seen the last of me! And as for my Facebook friends—well, sorry pals, you haven’t seen the last of my photos.
Salute!
Today's Gratitude List
- an easy Monday at work
- patient colleagues
- leftover ice cream cake
- books, books, books
- my favorite pillow
Now I am totally jealous! LOL I love fresh guacamole. Here in the Midwest the ingredients are so expensive even in the summer and the avocados aren't nearly as good as the ones you get in California. Your plum tart looks delicious and so easy I think I might even be able to make it.
ReplyDeleteWe are truly spoiled with our variety of produce. However, I'm sure the Ridiculous (with a captital "R") cost of living out here makes up for it :)
ReplyDeleteBut do try the tart--super easy, light, and yum!
I am excited to try your plum tart. Where were you last year when I had plums coming out my ears? (Can I just say that I have enough jam to last me a few years.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my Grateful Dead post. You know a vulture would make the perfect pet: it can find it's own food, it cleans up after itself....[Shudder!]
Wow this looks insanely delicious. And not too complicated either which is a prime requirement when I cook! Love the pics.
ReplyDeleteNiki - Stopping by from Under the Rainbow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous blog and so happy to find a fellow foodie and bibliophile. Will stop back by for more of your delicious recipes and to check out your bookshelf. Feel free to drop in anytime with book recommendations. Enjoy your day!
Even though I just finished lunch all your photos have made me hungry again! I love the plum tart- do you think it would work with a different fruit? Peaches? Pears?
ReplyDeleteYour Big Guy is smart indeed :) Buying you cookbooks and reaping its benefits.
ReplyDelete