Underneath this flaky, whole-grain, gluten-free crust is a mound of sliced sweet potatoes, apples, traditional warming spices, and a bit of fresh thyme for a slight savory touch. Serve with homemade pumpkin ice cream for good measure.
This is another recipe adapted ever so slightly from Alanna Taylor-Tobin's genius book, Alternative Baker. (Her blueberry hand pies were also a hit.) The recipe length may look daunting, but the multiple steps ensure a flaky pie crust that is both whole-grain, gluten-free AND irresistibly good. This frangipane tart will convince those who associate "gluten-free" with "gross."
This nectarine pie was an ode to my friend Chris - a celebration of the garden he launched at the hospital where he works. I decided to pause, to give Chris the accolades he deserved, and lately, my celebrations and sentiments come in the form of pie.
I've been inspired by pie, by combining my love of drawing and baking in freeform pie crusts. I've found freedom in the fraisage method of folding butter into whole grains. I've found mindfulness in carving pie crust into delicate, fleeting flowers. And of course, there's no reward quite like flaky pie crust, warm summer berries, and a scoop of ice cream.
As June came to a close, Dylan and I swayed in a hammock atop a tree-lined hill. The pups circled their leashes around our support trees while we schemed and dreamed how to fill the summer with intention. What would we do to embrace the heat? Where would we go to find quiet? What activities would we remember years from now? The Summer 2021 Bucket List emerged on the page. More poolside hangs? More berry crisps? More scoops of ice cream? Yes, please!
I wanted to add a little something celebratory to a little friendship anniversary get-together, so a basket of beautiful French bubbly and gluten-free blueberry hand pies it was!
When I look at the dusting of powdered sugar, the vibrant berries, and the sprigs of mint on this double chocolate tart, my heart feels embraced. That is the hope of each baking endeavor, and the memory I aim to preserve with each photo.
Let's cling to contentment in the form of a rustic strawberry tart with a heaping scoop of vanilla.