When your world is upside down.
And one of the people you love most in this world is in a place they can't climb out of on their own.
All you can do is hold the ladder.
Because, they have to choose to climb out of that hole.
When all you can do is sit on your hands and watch.
Hold back your words.
And listen. And hear.
And not have all the answers.
Because the answers aren't yours to come up with.
There are times...
When all you can be is a shoulder to lean on.
A soft place to land.
And hold out a cloth to wipe a teary eye.
Knowing that in the end, time and patience are needed while the healing takes place.
I suppose it might seem trite to focus on things like food when life is crazier than you would like it to be, but I always find it centering to pass time on normal activities.
I liked that this week's recipe was elegant, but simply done.
Almond cream was mixed and set aside to chill.
Puff pastry was rolled out and prepared for topping.
Apples were sliced and arranged on top, brushed with an egg wash and a healthy sprinkling of Muscovado sugar.
A spell in the oven resulted in a golden treat.
I changed up the recipe by substituting sour cream for the heavy cream and puff pastry in lieu of the phyllo.
Simple elegance in a world that is anything but.
This post participates in French Fridays with Dorie. The recipe for the apple almond tart can be found here.
Oooh I like the idea of this on puff pastry but you should definitely try it on filo! Hope all is well. Sounds like you need a hug and a virtual glass of wine XOX
ReplyDeleteI like how you made those squares. Looks gorgeous, Cher.
ReplyDeletesometimes, dorie's recipes just don't appeal to me but this one looks scrumptious!
ReplyDeletebtw, i really like the plate in which you served the tarts :)
I haven't made any of the Dorie recipes in a while, but this one might lure me back to the group!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, Cher! Love the idea of using puff pastry :) I hope whatever you're dealing with is better very, very soon. xo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tart, beautifully written post. Hope today is an easier day!
ReplyDeleteYour tart is beautifully created, your substitutions are another good take, and I have really been liking your pictures lately. It's only in the past ten years, and I am much older than you, that I have been smart enough to hold back my words. If you've already accomplished that at your young age, you're going to lead yourself and those you love through Life with its ups and downs. BTW, we are having a celebration of Michael's Life next Tuesday morning and I am using your comment, "It takes a very special person to fit into a family and Michael sounds like that kind of person" in my remarks. The reason why we celebrate the good times so raucously, in my opinion, is that the bad/painful times sneak up on you also.
ReplyDeleteCher, I hope you are okay. I stopped in to see the recipe. I wanted to leave a note on the recipe (because I'd already made this a long while ago and loved it for the same reasons). And just wanted you to know I will keep you in my thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteI really like the individual tarts & the way you fanned the apples.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, Cher!
Beautiful! Love the mini-tarts and the subbing of sour cream. Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me think of the serenity prayer. It seems apropos.
ReplyDeleteCher, your individual tarts with the puff pastry instead of the phyllo do look very elegant - I love individual servings and was considering that route too but the phyllo is kind of fragile and whenever I cut it, it breaks, so a big tart it was for us. I am feeling a little ill at ease commenting on your tart when I really want to send a virtual hug...actually I want to do both...hope things will get easier very soon! All the best!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tart:) Like your substitutions.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure whatever is going on in your life will work itself out in the right time, in the right way. I send you strength to deal with whatever it is and know that sometimes you just have to let go and trust that something bigger is watching out over you and the ones you love.
ReplyDeleteYour tart looks amazing.
I totally understand kitchen therapy!
My husband thought it would be better on puff pastry. Yours looks very pretty. I find that good food is a great comfort during uncertain times.
ReplyDeleteCher, I hope all will be well and that your loved ones will find their way. Like you said, sometimes we can only watch. We continue to love them, support them, and give them the space they need. Cooking and sharing food is therapeutic. Your apple tarts look like a good dose of medicine for yourself and others around you.
ReplyDeleteLife seems tricky at times and growth comes from moments we don´t want to happen. You are very centered, whatever is happening, and I hope it resolves soon.
ReplyDeletePuff pastry is a great and quicker idea. The tarts look wonderful Cher!
Looks like your substitutions worked! The tarts look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI find cooking to be very centering - that is one of the things I love about it. In fact, if I can't find time to cook properly, I really feel like things are out of control. I haven't made this dessert yet, but I am going to steal your idea of using the puff pastry (I was already thinking of doing so, but now I know it will work). Hopefully your loved one was comforted by your tart too. It sure looks good!
ReplyDeleteHope all works out Cher! I find nothing more important than something delicious to eat:) It heals the body and the spirit. Your tarts look great! Take care.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find peace to help you keep the ladder firm for your loved ones in these trying times. Your tart looks beautiful and I'm happy to hear the sour cream - almond creme went well with the puff pastry.
ReplyDeleteLove your photo with the green background - retro adorable. I really liked this, although filo and I are not friends.
ReplyDeleteIt was elegant and simple, wasn’t it? We loved it! Love the way you made the individual squares…absolutely lovely!
ReplyDeleteHope things get better, Cher. Have a great weekend!
Beautiful post, lovely tart. I think this is a keeper for sure.
ReplyDeleteYour tart looks lovely. Such a great idea to sub with sour cream. I am sorry to hear about your loved one and I hope the healing goes well. I have certainly found that when life has turned topsy turvy and the world around you seems to be crumbling that cooking and baking for the ones you love is been a godsend. Take care, Cher.
ReplyDeleteDear Cher, I completely understand what you mean about holding back and hoping that the right answers will come to your loved ones. God knows how many times I've been in that place and vice versa. It is the most difficult thing but the most rewarding when things work out, because, believe me, they will. Keep strong and eat good tart like this one :)
ReplyDeleteCooking is therapy, and so grounding in troubled times. Sending you a virtual hug because it sounds like you need it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, your tart looks great. I'm glad to know if worked well with puff pastry. The filo was challenging...
Have a great week.
Take care my friend, sounds like life is throwing many a challenge your way - eat this delicious tart and I hope all works out!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Uru
I like your version of this tart - simple and comforting; elegant and delicious. I hope things work out. It's hard to watch those you care about struggle.
ReplyDeleteOh, you just captured one of the hardest things in life, watching someone go through something and not being able to 'save' them! Hope it works out well.
ReplyDeleteThe tart looks fantastic!