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Black Bean Tart with Chili Crust

September 23, 2012 By + 44 Comments

“MY GARDEN IS MY MOST BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE.”  Claude Monet

Black Bean Tart with Chili Crust | From My Sweet Heart

I love creating vegetarian meals.  They sure do make the most colorful masterpieces!  When I moved to my home 18 years ago, I was excited to have several areas of my yard that I could devote to gardening.  Unfortunately now, so many trees on the perimeter of my property have grown so much, that my yard is now too shady for a proper garden.  And I’ve resorted to planting a few peppers and cucumbers.  My deck is the home of my many pots of herbs and my Meyer lemon tree!  Fortunately, I have a wonderful farm market nearby.  And with the exception of the black beans, all of the ingredients for this tart came from local sources.

Not only is this black bean tart vivid in color, but it is bright and bold in flavor as well. A light black bean puree, sweet corn and red bell peppers, spicy jalapenos, mild scallions and the kick of cilantro are bound by melted Monterey Jack cheese. All of this nestled on top of a flaky crust made fabulous by the warm spices of chili powder, cumin and paprika!  And to top it all off. . . . . [Read more...]

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Mango Coconut Cream Puffs with Mango Mojito Sauce

September 1, 2012 By + 58 Comments

“THERE SHALL BE ETERNAL SUMMER IN THE GRATEFUL HEART.”  Celia Thaxter

Mango Coconut Cream Puffs with Mango Mojito Sauce | From My Sweet Heart

Well it is that time of year.  Though it is not technically autumn, September 1st always feels like the beginning of fall to me, no matter what the weather.  In my mind, I just know that summer is over.  So The Baking Group (not yet officially named), has decided to give summer a tropical send off! Since I realized that I haven’t eaten one mango all season, I decided to mix a combination of tropical flavors into one little cream puff!  Sweet cream, mangoes, coconut, spiced rum and mint all mix and mingle to create a light, clean, fresh bite. [Read more...]

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Lemon Ladyfinger Semifreddo

July 25, 2012 By + 57 Comments

I’m taking the Blue Ribbon Challenge!

Lemon Ladyfinger Semifreddo | From My Sweet Heart

Well this is my first month participating in the Blue Ribbon Challenge!  This wonderful group is created and hosted by Anna from Crunchy Creamy Sweet.  Once a month, Anna chooses a delectable food theme.  We simply make it in any way we desire, post about it, and link up! The next day, we vote!  And the winner earns the coveted Blue Ribbon Badge!  Anna is such a sweetheart and this is such great fun!   So I encourage everyone to come and join in!  Follow the links for more information!

This month, the theme was semifreddo!  I have only attempted this once before when I made a Pistachio, Vanilla & Strawberry Semifreddo.  And though I think they turned out well, I must admit, I think ice cream is easier to make.  I don’t own an electric hand mixer…..so my arms got a work out with my whisk!  The result, however, is nothing short of sublime!  Lemony, light and luscious!  And this time, I added a hidden treat . . . . . [Read more...]

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Peach Raspberry Cake

July 15, 2012 By + 44 Comments

“ONE DOES A WHOLE PAINTING FOR ONE PEACH AND PEOPLE THINK JUST THE OPPOSITE – THAT PARTICULAR PEACH IS BUT A DETAIL.”  Pablo Picasso

Peach Raspberry Cake | From My Sweet Heart

I absolutely LOVE the simplicity of flavors in this peach raspberry cake.  Both fruits can be equal partners in the taste.  Or you can make one fruit shine and the other fruit a detail.  I love baking with seasonal fruit. When they are at their peak, then there’s not much you need to do to add sweetness.  This cake is simple, moist, and subtly sweet with just the hint of lemon.  And the fruit is most definitely the flavor in this cake.  I chose to let the peaches shine a little more.  Here are some things you can do to make your favorite fruit the star . . . . . [Read more...]

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Parmesan Tuiles with Heirloom Tomatoes

July 7, 2012 By + 38 Comments

“APPETIZERS ARE THE LITTLE THINGS YOU KEEP EATING UNTIL YOU LOSE YOUR APPETITE.”  Joe Moore

Parmesan Tuilles with Heirloom Tomatoes | From My Sweet Heart

Come share in the tomato love at the Tomato Love Recipe Exchange, hosted by Gimme Some Oven & Bake Your Day, sponsored this week by KitchenAid.  Also visit Recipe for Change to learn more about how to support tomato farmers.

Well, temperatures here in the nation’s capital have been oppressive; reaching 102° today!!!  And I am feeling it!  I don’t know about you, but when it’s this hot; by the end of the day I feel so fatigued, the only thing I want for dinner is a bowl of cereal with ice cold milk!  And when I do eat a ‘meal’, it’s more like an appetizer.  So today, these parmesan tuiles were more than enough!  Light and crunchy, cheesy and salty; and perfectly topped with sweet, chilled tomatoes.

These are quick and easy to throw together and take great advantage of my beautiful, summer tomatoes!  I tried 2 different recipes for the tuiles.  And there was a clear winner for me . . . . . [Read more...]

Filed Under: Savory Baking Tagged With: ,

Pineapple Coconut Tarts

May 11, 2012 By + 53 Comments

“PARADISE IS OPEN TO ALL KINDS OF HEARTS.”  Pierre Jean de Béranger

Pineapple Coconut Tarts | From My Sweet Heart

Two bites = two words. Tropical. Paradise. 

A sweet tart crust….. filled with luscious coconut pastry cream….. sprinkled with chewy toasted coconut….. and topped with fresh, sweet, juicy pineapples.

Is your heart open? [Read more...]

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Sunflower Seed Cookies

August 31, 2011 By + 50 Comments

“EVERY FRIEND TO THE OTHER IS A SUN, AND A SUNFLOWER ALSO.  HE ATTRACTS AND FOLLOWS.”  Jean Paul Richter

Sunflower Seed Cookies | From My Sweet Heart

Some days we could all use a little self imposed sunshine.  Such was my day today!  And while I didn’t intend on baking and posting today, a quick trip to the market had me gazing upon these enormous sunflowers and just smiling!  Plus….they were on sale!  While these are not my most favorite flower, when I see them…..it’s like looking at a huge smiley face ….and I can almost hear them telling me….“Have a nice day!”  And then I knew I wanted to bake a batch of sunflower seed cookies!  The best part of a chocolate chip cookie for me is the cookie flavor itself.  I swear I could bake them plain without the chips!  And so I wanted to use a similar cookie base.  But I just had to add something special….. [Read more...]

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