custard — Blog — Pear & Pecorino

Roasted Grape, Mascarpone, and Pine Nut Custard Tart

Happy Autumn!

Although it doesn't quite feel like it here, I am so eager to get started on autumn recipes. Some of my favorite ingredients are at their prime this time of year: an abundance of apples, pears, mushrooms, and nuts that pair so wonderfully with spices and long peaceful nights of cooking. At its heart, cooking is made for the cooler seasons. For the long chilly nights and cozy days. For the preservation of everything at its peak freshness. And for the enjoyment of slow cooking, when life begins to pace itself.

Sometimes I feel like the heat and the smokey air drains my energy, like I'm waiting for just a day of cold weather to clear my lungs and my mind. There's a certain peace I find in autumn. When there's still color in the leaves and the world comes a little more alive. There's no sameness, and every day brings a little bit of change to the atmosphere.

Baked Goods, DessertsIsabellaSeptember 23, 2020autumn, tart, pie, custard, mascarpone, dessert, pine nutsComment

Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Clafoutis

When I started thinking about spring dishes back in February, I had a few things in mind. I wanted to focus more on seasonal produce and spontaneity in cooking. Finding the sweet spot between going in with no ideas and planning every last detail of a dish.

A small idea or just some inspiration can flourish into a way of cooking that is more natural and realistic in my life and in yours. Perhaps I would go to the market looking for artichokes and come back with asparagus because that's what is available. I wanted to keep seasonal ingredients at the forefront of my mind. Alongside this mindset, I had a rough outline. Paninis, fresh pasta, tomato confit, jam, pickles, and rhubarb, the last of which broke my local produce mindset just a smidge.

Breakfast and Brunch, DessertsIsabellaMay 11, 2020rhubarb, clafoutis, custardComment