These fog filled mornings remind me that Fall has surely arrived. I should have known. I have been intensely preoccupied by baking recipes, a profound need to stay home, knit, and drink copious amounts of hot tea. To satiate my baking desire I hosted an informal baking day with a few other ladies. There is nothing better than spending the whole day baking, other then to do it while chatting over tea with your friends!
Yolanda tried her hand at Shortbread from the Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Baking book. A great beginning book with lots of informative pictures. The shortbread was buttery, flaky and delicious with lemon curd and black tea!
I decided to try my hand at a tart. I love to make pies, but have yet attempted to make a true tart. I was surprised at how different the tart dough recipe was, almost like a sugar cookie. With the addition of confectioners sugar and cream, I knew I was awaiting something delicious!
Here is the tart in stage 2. The partially baked crust has been filled with golden raspberries and Red Pears. A mixture of melted butter, dark brown sugar and a smidgen of ground cloves has been drizzled over the the fruit.
A close up of the gooey goodness!
The finished product. It struck the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The buttery, sugary, lemony crust invigorated the ripe, sweet, fruit. Freshly whipped cream, a favorite addition to any baked good, was highly appreciated.
I can't wait to eat it again tomorrow.... but really, why wait? Umm, so yummy!
Pear tarts, shortbread and a Yolanda and Anna?!? Man when am I moving to the bay??
Posted by: Rosanna Bump | 10/13/2009 at 03:30 PM
I can attest that baking at Anna's was a pleasure. Her cute home, friends and wonderful puppy sterling made it lovely. Definitely a world of whimsy!
Yolanda
Posted by: Yolanda | 10/12/2009 at 06:50 PM
Holy crap I'm so jealous! Everything looks so delicious!
Posted by: emily p-s | 10/12/2009 at 06:22 PM
mmmmmmmm....looks so yummy
shame on you for not sharing
LOL
Posted by: The Redhead Riter | 10/12/2009 at 11:10 AM