Sunday, November 29, 2015

Tartes aux Amandes (Almond tart)

Simply delicious!


Ingredients:

Crust (pate brisée):

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 egg yolk
1 1/2 Tablespoons milk

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon slat

In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and creamy. Stir in egg yolk, then milk. Add flour and salt to creamed mixture and mix with the hands until a smooth dough is formed. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.

Note: if refrigerated overnight before use, the dough will be more tender.

Storage: Wrap in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for several hours at room temperature. In the latter case, you may have to chill it slightly before using.


Filling:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup lightly-packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tablespoon flour
2 Tablespoons heavy cream
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon sherry (optional - I never used it)
1 cup coarsly-chopped almonds
pinch salt

Butter for pie plate

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out the pastry to 1/8 inch thick, line a buttered 10 inch pie plate, and prick with a fork. Trim and flute. Bake for 15 minutes or until crust is half done.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in the rest of the ingredients. Pour into the pie shell and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and set.

Note: I add the eggs mixed with the heavy cream last and off the heat so not to cook them. You don't want to end up with scrambled eggs in your pie!

This pie, which is equally good made with an equal amount of walnuts can also have another variation. The addition of chocolate turns this already delicious pie into a fudge delightful treat when served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Over a double boiler or a pot of boiling water, melt 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate with the butter before adding the rest of the ingredients.

It is one of my all time favorite and I hope you try it.



Bon appétit!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Simple gifts for any occasion

Don't know what to get your child's teacher for Christmas?

Or your neighbor?

Or your client and you live in the Wilmington Area?

Check the ideas below and email me with questions and or requests!


~TABLE TOP~

Place cards: 

Sets of 12 place cards. 65 lb. card stock paper weigh. White, Ivory, light grey or other colors available.

flat banner about 7.5 inches long. 
Place this banner place card above or on top of the plate 

Napkin rings. Middle shape pops open. About 6.5x2 inches. Write your own names. 
12 of the same or 6 of each.
Wrap this paper place card ring around your napkin for a stylish place set look.




Folded place cards. 4x3 inches. Red lines show folds. Some designs have a printed frame (ex: pumpkin design) that can be removed or added per your request



Placemats: 

11x17 inches, printed on smooth 100 bright white paper. 32 lb paper weigh.
Sets of 12 of the same design or mix and match.













Wine tags:

 Printed on white smooth or textured 65 lb. card stock paper. Custom designs available. 6x2 inches. Sets of 6 mix and match or choose 6 of the same design.





~STATIONARY~

Christmas, Birthday, Thank You or Note cards:

A2 size (4.25x5.5 inches). Flat or fold. Printed on 80 lb. bright white card stock paper.
Sets of 6, 8 or 12 cards. Envelopes included. 
110 lb. card stock paper available for flat note cards only and by request. Extra charge will apply.

Flat note cards. More designs available and custom designs. 






Folded cards. More designs available and custom designs.






Red lines show fold.


Gift Tags:

Embellish your presents or give them as presents!

Each set has 6 tags. Or you can customize your own set(s) by choosing 6 of the same or different designs. Printed on 65 lb. white card stock paper. Ink colors for each tag design may vary. Two color baker's twine and gift tag box included.

Set 1                                  Set 2

 
Set 3                                 Set 4 

Set 5