Some Mornings Are More Productive Than Others

Wednesday, May 20, 2009





This morning was more productive than other mornings. This morning was full of puppy photo shoots and a quick mulberry tart.


Merry was quite content to rest a bit upon her woolen bed, against the blue couch, must remember this combination. It took a minute, but I managed to get a few shots. She is sweetness personified.  She has not barked once, she is obedient and loving. The rhythm one uses with babies and children is foolproof.  Most little ones want to know that life is dependable, that the rhythm of the day is very harmonious, breathing in, breathing out. I think most everyone, craves a little rhythmic harmony. So we breathe. In. Then. Out. We go in when the sun grows too strong, We go out when the weather is mild, and work is easily done. There are water breaks, food breaks, treat breaks and play breaks. There are stretching breaks and cuddling breaks. An easy recipe for life.

Speaking of recipes, I have a quick custard tart recipe to share. The mulberries are in full swing and dropping faster than they can be harvested. Although eating them straight from the tree, or washed in a bowl is quite fine, I have been itching to do something more. I made the syrup we used in seltzer water over ice with mint, yumm.  This morning I awoke, and was inspired. This is what I made:

Mulberry Tart

Pulse 1/2 cup raw almonds in blender or food processor
Add to 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
Cut in 1 stick butter
Add 2 T coconut powder
1 T raw sugar
1/4 t salt
1/2 t coconut extract
1-2 T ice water
Cut together with pastry tool, forks, or fingers

Press into pie or tart pan
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes

Mix one batch Custard Powder
Stir in 1-2 cups de-stemmed mulberries(or any berry) that has been sprinkled with 1 t of raw sugar
Pour into cooked crust
 Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until custard is firm.

While it was still warm, I placed about one cup of berries tossed with a squeeze of fresh lime in the center
Around the berries, I sprinkled sweetened, shredded coconut

It was served at room temperature with fresh mint tea*

*Mint Tea
Gather 7 or 8 sprigs of assorted mint
I used chocolate mint, pineapple mint, peppermint, spearmint and apple mint
Wash well
Place in tea pot
Pour boiling, filtered water directly onto leaves. 
Steep
I have found that you do not need to add any sweetener 
You can add raw honey or agave nectar, but it really is not necessary

Blessings on you day.

4 comments:

La Cehl said...

i love the days i remember to let your gentle words work their way into my heart. I love and miss you friend!

Kristin said...

my husband drooled a little over the mulberry tart!

Terry Gallina said...

Now you've done it. A dog to love. Our Roxy brought so much love to our home. I laugh because I'm mommy to a mini schnauzer. She is just so adorable.

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

What an adorable puppy!!!