SHF 45: Berry Tartlets

Today was really warm. Scratch that. Today was really hot. Definitely the warmest since moving home. The heat index hit 96. And if you've spent any time in New England in the summertime, heat generally equals humidity. When you walk out your front door and you feel like you just stepped out of the shower. When you stick to patio furniture. And I won't even begin about one's hair practically doubling in size due to frizz. ;)

Dave decided to grill tonight, so I thought I'd surprise my parents with a nice dessert. But I really, really did not want to use the oven. A friend of mine online had linked to a fruit tart recipe over at NPR, and that got the ball rolling. The thought of the mascarpone cream was really what did it for me. But as I still lack the confidence and counterspace to properly work with dough, I went with pre-made tart shells. At least, I went with those mentally. At the grocery store, they didn't have them. So I went with the puff pastry shells, which require 20 minutes of oven-time. *shrug* Well, it could have been worse, right?

Later in the evening, as I was perusing the food blogs, I discovered that this month's Sugar High Friday is being hosted by Susan of Food Blogga, and the theme is berries. Timing actually worked WITH me for a change. :)

These came together like a dream. From the NPR recipe, I went with the mascarpone cream, and then decorated with blueberries and strawberries. As an alternative for my mom, who can't do the seeds, I used peaches, and she was quite pleased. I think the cream part is going to be my go-to for fillings these days. Oh, it was like heaven on a spoon.



Ingredients:
6 puff pastry shells
8 oz. mascarpone cheese
1/3 cup very cold heavy cream
¼ cup sugar
Strawberries, sliced
Bluberries

Directions:
Prepare puff pastry shells as directed.

Once they are fully cooled, beat mascarpone cheese, cream, and sugar until mixture holds stiff peaks. Spoon into shells. Decorate with fruit. Keep chilled until serving.

Cooking to Combat Cancer : Mixed Berry Tarts

When I read about the above over at Mele Cotte, I knew I had to take part. Between three of four grandparents dying of cancer, my dad is currently going through his third round of chemo.

I went through the Mayo Clinic's recipe webpage, and finally decided upon their Mixed Berry Pie. Which are really mini tarts, but, hey. I won't be picky. ;)




(At least we know with this blog, my close-up-photography skills are bound to improve!) :D

Ingredients:
12 to 15 medium strawberries, sliced
3/4 cup raspberries
1/2 cup fat-free, sugar-free instant vanilla pudding made with fat-free milk
6 single-serve (tart-size) graham cracker pie crusts
6 Tbsp light whipped topping (optional)

Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together the strawberries and raspberries.

Spoon 4 teaspoons of the pudding into each pie crust. Add about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry-raspberry mix to each pie. Top the fruit with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.


So, I altered it a bit, because I wanted to make pretty designs. :) I also chose to do both chocolate and vanilla, for some variety. I ate one already - very yummy. Good for summertime, too, for a quick dessert. :)