Some Mornings Are More Productive Than Others

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.