When I'm handling expensive ingredients I tend to be more conservative with my choices to make sure that the ingredient isn't wasted. I love a bargain, most especially because they mean I can experiment without guilt. Often the bargain coincides with the bounty of the season. I love playing around in the kitchen, so whenever I can find something special at a good price, I give myself permission to try anything that inspires me. This raspberry tart didn't exactly work out the way I wanted it to. I put a layer of custard on the bottom, a layer of fresh raspberries over that, and covered the top with a cooked raspberry mixture, reminiscent of what we use for Strawberry Pie. It was okay but I like the flavor of the fresh berries and custard better without the cooked layer, as pictured above. Nonetheless it was a great learning experience inspired by the family sized trays of organic raspberries on sale at the market. Sometimes I win big, sometimes it's a disaster, but I always learn something new to make me a better cook.
Years Past
Ideas in Food: Great Recipes and Why They Work
Maximum Flavor: Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
Gluten Free Flour Power: Bringing Your Favorite Foods Back to the Table
