pear frangipane slices

March 29, 2016 in fruit, fall, pies & tarts

I loved setting the table for Easter breakfast when I was a kid. I got to use a bright tablecloth, yellow napkins and fresh flowers. I got to search the dining room cupboard for candles shaped like eggs and baby chickens and I got to put wine glasses on the table. For us! [...]

tarte au citron de vézelay

March 15, 2016 in family recipes, fruit, winter, pies & tarts

When I decided to post my mother's lemon tart as the next of my family recipes, I realized that I didn't really have a story to tell about it. My love for citrus is a pretty recent thing and until a couple of years ago, I used to steer clear of this tart altogether. So I decided to ask my mother for her story [...]

mango tarte tatin

February 08, 2016 in fruit, spring, pies & tarts

We all have our comfort zone. A position in which we feel both at ease and at our best. Mine is at the sidelines, looking in. I observe. I consider the details, take a step back to get the bigger picture, then focus on the details again. I analyze. I draw lines, see connections, fill in the blanks, write down my conclusions. I don't usually interact with what is going on, nor do I feel the need to voice my conclusions out loud. The written word is my safeguard [...]

blood orange curd

January 25, 2016 in curds & creams, winter, fruit

From the moment the seasons changed, I started badgering my grocer about blood oranges. January, he said. I was so thrilled about the first blood orange I got my hands on, that I photographed it and put it on Instagram. By now, Instagram is exploding with this beautiful fruit. What is it about blood oranges that gets us all excited?

cherry puff pastry galette

July 09, 2015 in summer, fruit, pies & tarts

I've been trying to find a new rhythm.

About four weeks ago, I started a new job. After so many years of working from home, I now find myself sitting in an office with a bunch of other people, 11 km away from home. It's good, of course. I get to accomplish things... finish them, even. I get to ride my bike to work. I get to meet new friends. In some ways, it's perfect [...]

upside down nectarine cake

June 16, 2015 in cake, fruit, summer

Do you ever wake up to a house that smells a little off? Maybe you forgot to take out the trash, or you left something out of the fridge for too long. Maybe you just had a crazy party last night... (I hope you had a crazy party last night.)

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