The cakes are finally done, tea is getting ready to be served, just as Furtunato predicted ;) Wasn't he funny and wise??? Tee hee! I must confess though, in the manner in which I am channeling Furtunato through words (ahem), is the only way I made it through all my schooling. With a heavy dose of invention, and not enough bookdom I am sure :)
While that was going on....
My paint brush has been having some fun, with cakes and bows and...
Mini fairy-cakes too...
Tea and sweets are being served now, yes, this is true!
Pick your favorite treat, like cream puffs, or marbled tea cake...
Have some honey in your tea? asks Zippy, the kindest bee...
Take your time to make your choice.
New paintings to browse, as we choose our edibles...
This lass is on a large size canvas, measuring -
20" x 24" - 1.5" deep.
And, is officially looking for a home...
Tea And Sweets with Amélie
But wait, across the cobble stone street, at the French pâtisserie, it's time for delectable bites too, I see...
Marguerite is up to her magic again...
Ooo, chocolate croissants!!
And...
Lavender cake too!
Yumm!
I've gone to such a sweet world painting these, that I had to make some custard for strawberry tarts during my break...
The custard is cooling... the tart shell a-baking...
Whilst the little gal below, searches for a home as well.
At the Pâtisserie with Marguerite
Measures 16" x 20" and is 1.5" deep
Both can be found in my shop here....
So, that is what I have been up to, while Furtunato took over the bloglette.
I think he is much more like-able than me, so perhaps he should totally take over, and I can kick back and drink cold mint tea????
What do you think?
teeheeee!
He is so soft and kind, all around lovable.
Ooo, Mister Lovee is roaming around, must have him taste the custard now.
He will be so happy!!
Off I go...
See you sooooon!
Love, V
ps: "Through the Trees ~ Enchanted Evening" is now available as a print. In the shop is a print of that piece, and also a print of the gypsy wagon alone.
I always try to make prints of my work, after the original finds a home and voyages off.
Summer gypsy nights are upon us!!
How delicious!!
(It has been over 100'F for 3 days now)
pss: The Strawberry Tart is a hit. I used this recipe.
Changes I made were in the crust. I used all butter, no shortening, and I used 5 tablespoons of "ice" water, instead of 3 of just cold water. I did not chill my dough either, instead I baked it right away, with parchment paper inside and beans as weights.
After the tart shell cooled, I filled it with the custard, which I had made much earlier per recipe.
I was not super careful with my strawberry placement. I also tossed the berries in raspberry jam before putting them on the tart (to curb the tartness of the berries). I did however, place them one by one on the tart, so that I wouldn't end up pouring all the strawberry juice and jam, that was at the bottom of the bowl, onto the top. You don't want a runny gloppy mess :)
It is sinfully good. My first time ever making one of these, and the custard, beyond words decadent.
A great combination of fresh berries, crunchy cookie like crust, and rich custard...
I so recommend it!
pss: Birthday party (for a doll of course) at Papillon Bleu on the 21st!! We will be there!! What fun!
