8.17.2010

A Tart





This year has been my year to learn how to cook. For most of my marriage my Mr. has done the majority of the cooking. He is rather a picky eater and it was easier for him to make what he enjoyed and besides I was just plain awful in the kitchen. Well, I can now say I can make quite a few things that the whole family enjoys. This weekend I turn 30 and for some reason I got a wild hair to make something more involved, something that posed a challenge, something that felt very grown up. I choose an heirloom tomato, rice, and almond tart from Cannelle et Vanille. I substituted a few ingredients, but stuck with all the main ones. It took me all Friday morning and by lunch time I enjoyed the most delicious tart I have ever had. My husband can't stand tomatoes and Ellie is going through a I don't like rice faze and KJ is going through a what ever Ellie thinks I think too faze, so I was the only one to enjoy my new creation. In the end I am okay with that. I conquered a goal that makes me think I can now do just about anything in the kitchen. I no longer feel fear of creating a disaster and if I do that's okay too. I will just enjoy the process.

28 comments:

Miu said...

This looks delicious!
And your family should be happy to get something like this...

Chedva @Rooms and Words said...

It looks delicious. I often give up on challenges like that because my husband is such a picky eater. I'm glad you didn't!

Tara said...

well done Paula! looks delish.

A Perfect Gray said...

awesome. happy birthday, gal. I enjoy your blog very much...

Design Esquire said...

Great job!! It looks sooooo good, and I'm glad that you'll be able to enjoy each and every piece! And good for you for taking risks.

Smitten Design said...

#1. Great job on the tart, it looks so delicious I might venture out and try it.
#2. Regarding the post I had on my blog- if you were in 30-A, i might have died of excitement - meeting so many favorites at one time!
#3. I think I'll be in the birmingham area this fall and i'd love to meet up.

Anonymous said...

Love the blog but I think you mean "conquering" fears, not "concurring".

Staley Mc said...

This looks so delish! I would definitely eat this! Great job!

paula said...

And that's what I get for writing a blog post at 1 am because I couldn't sleep :)

Anonymous said...

mmm you are making me hungry!!!!
:)

Susie (So Blessed) said...

looks yummy! what a great way to use summer tomatoes!

carolina postcard said...

Wish I could sit in for one of your family members. That looks delish!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

looks yum! my husband does not like tomatoes either. I told him he is going to have to hide his food pickiness from our children because I refuse to make multiple meals

Melissa @ Veranda Interiors said...

Looks amazing! Check out the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks if you are wanting to get into cooking. Great easy recipes and everything is wonderful. xo

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

Congrats for taking the plunge into the world of food!! It is (usually!) very rewarding. That tart looks YUMMY!

Unknown said...

Yeah you, for doing it just for you! Don't you love the I'm going to do what my big sister does phase, ughh :) xx

Tamara said...

mm this looks amazing. i know exactly what you mean -- my husband did most of the cooking the first year we were married. he is a patient teacher. :) can't wait this recipe a try.

Gramercy Home said...

Scrumptious! I've been on a huge tomatoe kick and this looks perfect. Like you, I do not play in the kitchen to often. I think 2011 will be my year to learn to cook...maybe I will just follow your success stories!

Julie Holloway said...

cooking is all about the process...that is true (I guess a good metaphor for life). I would love to eat that with you...I love rice, almonds & tomatoes (my family hates 'maters, too!)

Kelle Dame said...

I want some! Looks delish! I'm a Giada fan when I actually use recipes. I usually just fly by the seat of my pants when cooking!

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

Yes please. I'm hungry.

Lissa Pierce said...

I am in the same position... husband cooks and does it well! I am starting to learn on my own also and have made a few things I can be proud of (and of course many that are just not edible). This looks great....I will have to try this one out!

My Interior Life said...

Yum! Ditto on my husband not liking tomatoes and being generally picky. Along with picky kids, I'm doomed. I should take your lead and make it for myself!

Gracie said...

That looks delicious. At least you are giving it a go. Plus gorgeous food pictures as well make it look even more enticing.

:: Lavender's Green :: said...

Yum! How can your husband not like tomatoes? They're delicious!

x Jasmine

Nancy said...

yum! I'm trying this soon!

Christi said...

looks delicious!! i was just telling a friend the other day that we should never feel guilty about making messes in the kitchen -- as long as we are having fun!!

Wahzat Gayle said...

Good job....
My children and husband would probably react the same way. I know I should know better I get so discouraged when I try something new and the entire family picks at it and then asks for crackers or a snack LOL
I have been learning cooking as I go along as well . It is good that your hubbie cooks he is good stuff :)