Saturday, March 29, 2008

Blueberry and Vanilla Custard Tartelettes



Time has become a precious commodity around here. The days blur by in a pattern of feeding, changing and loving Baby Mateo, intermingled with Noah's 'big boy' activities and family meals.
I am feeling better and back to my normal self and our little family has made a smooth transition from a family of three to a even four.
I have to thank everyone who has emailed and commented with encouraging words. You know who you are and you rock!

Being as busy as I am, I am experiencing what I have recently diagnosed as a baking withdrawal as I haven't created anything in over a month now, hard as that is to believe!
It's a new feeling for me; I don't like it, but I don't resent it, because as many of you have reminded me in your comments, I am cherishing this precious time with my newborn. I know only too well that soon he'll be all grown up and I'll have plenty of time to bake to my hearts content.


If you're short on time, you'll find these tartelettes (or one whole tart) are one of the quicker desserts you can whip up, especially if you have a nice little stash of tart dough on hand in the freezer, as I did (or better yet, some frozen tart shells!) A prettier sweet treat you will be hard pressed to find, and a completely satsifying combination of flaky crust, cool creamy pastry cream and fresh fruit topping. Don't limit yourself to blueberries, use what ever fruit looks fresh and gorgeous or complements your meal.

I guess around the end of March I have a thing for custard and fruit because one year ago today I posted this colorful fresh fruit tart and that is where you will find the recipes for all the components of this dessert including my absolute favorite pastry cream recipe, made with vanilla bean and made extra rich by cold butter that is whisked in at the end, and a rich tart dough.

We're starting to see some affordable berries in the markets now, so snap some up and pretend this dreary winter is over and spring is here!


18 comments:

LyB said...

Yay! Spring is near! Fruit tarts are definitely a good way to will Spring nearer, even if the snow seems to be never ending!

At some point we'll have teens to eat up all the baked goods we come up with and I hear they're a lot less picky than toddlers! :)

RecipeGirl said...

Very pretty! I'm so glad you're enjoying your Mom time, and that you're feeling much better! The baking desire will return when it wants to :)

Marie Rayner said...

Your tartlettes look so delicious! I love anything with fruit, and when it's combined with pastry and custard, well I am in heaven! Do enjoy all the time with your wee one that you can. They grow up far too quickly and then these lovely days with them will only be a happy, but distant memory!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that you are feeling better....your tarts look amazing.

Peter M said...

Aimee, I'll even cheer for the Habs if I can some of your tarts, will ya, will ya?

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Enjoy every moment Aimee. Summer is just around the corner...can't wait for all those seasonal fruits:D

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

I'm a huge fan of frozen tart shells -- I keep the little tiny ones on hand for both sweet and savory fillings. They hold just one bite of filling, and sometimes that's just the amount you want -- especially with sweets at the end of a meal.

Patricia Scarpin said...

Anything that'll help a mother is great in my opinion - those tarts look wonderful, Aimée!

Rachel@fairycakeheaven said...

Look at you cooking fancy tarts and you with a new baba!! Well done!! these look gorgeous aswell LOVE LOVE LOVE custard!!!

test it comm said...

Those tarts with custard and fresh berries and fruit look so good!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Lovely tarts. Hooray for spring and berries to come! I'm glad that you managed to get into the kitchen.

winedeb said...

Plenty time for baking, but glad to see you have whipped up something very fresh, easy and fit for spring! A perfect light but satisfying end to a meal.
Glad to hear your "crew" are all doing well and keeping you occupied!

Culinary Cowgirl said...

Lovely tartlettes...I must try that flavor combination for my little one.

And I understand the feeling. When my son was born, it was several weeks before I got back into the kitchen. People keep cooking for us, dropping off meals to allow me time to recover. But boy, that first trip back into the kitchen (with young man sitting on the counter) was pure bliss :)

Katkol said...

My name is Katherine and I came across your blog today. Those tarts look amazing!! I doubt I could make something that looks that good.

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David Hall said...

Hi Amiée

Hope it is all going well your end with the wee one. Glad the these superb tartlet helped with the baking withdrawal, they look fantastic, can't imagine how good they tasted!

Cheers
David

Sophie said...

The name of your blog is so darn cute! I also love the concept of your recipes, kid friendly food - how fun. This tart looks incredibly tasty; I actually just told my husband yesterday that I'm in the mood to bake a tart - despite the fact that I have to finish baking 60 batches of cookies before the end of the month for my job :p! I might not get around to that tart any time soon, but when I do, I'll be using your recipe as a template! This looks great!

Sophie
Flour Arrangements

Anonymous said...

Hi Aimee!
I'm just catching up on your posts here.....(super mom!) I impressed you can bake and blog with a new baby! (gives me hope!!) ;D
These I will definitely have to try....soon! They look delicious!

grace said...

i've been in hot pursuit of the ideal tartlet recipe and this is definitely a contender. i'm automatically smitten with anything blueberry, and they're so elegant! nicely done!

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