Pride doesn’t begin to describe how I felt this afternoon. Not only was my baby not fussing, but I was making tarts and pastry cream. Lucy is five weeks old today, and I’m starting to find some sort of rhythm. She still changes daily, even hourly, but I find myself more adept at changing along with her. We began this great dance when she was safe inside my womb and it’s taken a few weeks of stumbling around on the outside for us to pick up where we left off. I know we’ll have our days, even our seasons of struggle, but I don’t think they’ll compare to the first few weeks of newness (both in wonder and in terror!)
The arrival of our daughter is sandwiched by the arrival of so many other little girls. Two of my dearest friends are both giving birth in September, and a handful more have already welcomed their girls or will soon be meeting them in person. I feel surrounded by such a strong and growing community. Near and far, we share our stories, our struggles, and our attempts at solutions. Even though we live in 2013, I feel like I’m part of a small tribe of wise women (with my sweet and selfless husband nearby, lending a hand whenever he can).
When you’re toting around a newborn people often stop to tell me, “It goes by so fast,” and I’m beginning to understand why. To look at pictures of Lucy on the day she was born and to look at pictures I took yesterday proves that oft repeated truth. So I’m trying to savor the small moments, to appreciate this stage of utter dependence. But I’m also tired and eager to write and to bake, and sometimes I forget that this is such a quick and passing season.
So making these tarts with Lucy gurgling against my chest felt just right yesterday. I sang to her as I pressed the warm (yes warm!) tart dough into its pans. I kissed the top of her head while I stirred the milk and sugar on the stove. And we stared at each other as we waited those fifteen minutes for the tarts to brown. The end result? Three beautiful pine nut cream tarts and most importantly: a precious memory with my daughter.
Pine Nut Cream Tarts
French Tart Dough from the always enviable David Lebovitz (Prepare just as this link commands…far different (and better!) than any tart dough recipe I’ve tried!)
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pine nuts
Make tart shells (or 3 mini tart shells) as commanded in the above link. Such a revolutionary way to make tarts! Genius! Allow tarts to cool completely.
In a large, heat-safe bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, corn starch, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.
Meanwhile, bring milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar to simmer over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent the milk from scalding. When the milk just begins to boil, pour mixture in a slow and steady stream into bowl of eggs. Stir constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Once combined, return the mixture to the stove and bring to a slow boil, stirring constantly. Once the mixture boils and thickens remove from heat immediately. Stir in almond extract and butter. Place in a wide bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from firming. Refrigerate until cold, about 2-3 hours.
To prepare tarts: spread a thick layer of pastry cream into cooked tart shells. Sprinkle generously with toasted pine nuts (to toast pine nuts: heat a dry skillet on medium heat and stir pine nuts until they turn a light golden hue)
So much of what you write resonates with me. I remember those exact feelings– the “pressure” to savor each moment (they pass so quickly!!!), but also (kind of guiltily) hoping for the future to come, when the days wouldn’t feel quite so long and, let’s face it, exhausting.
It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you should be doing. And I’m glad you’re getting some cooking and writing done as well!
Sweet!! Those first smiles are the best! Just wait until the first time she says ‘I love you mommy!’ you will melt even more! Nice simple tarts too! I’m thinking I can make some peach tarts with all the xtra peaches I have around!
So glad to hear that all is smoothing out with your precious baby girl. Yes, the time does pass swiftly. So many changes in the first few months are awesome and wonderful.
Best,
Bonnie
These tarts are so beautiful, and so is lovely Lucy! What a serene image you stitch together with your words, Monet. I love imagining you baking with this little baby bundled up close to you. I am so happy for you that you’re still finding time to do things you love. Thanks for sharing! xox
You’re superwoman! I can’t believe how you find the time for everything.
OMG SHE’S SMILING!
Beautiful baby- love that smile!
I think you’re doing a fine job of balancing new motherhood with a workable way of living!
Awww that smile is adorable! Just like these tarts and the knowledge of how you prepared these with her is precious. Have a great day!
The tart is gorgeous, but I must say the smile of your baby leaves ANY other image behind, by about 10 thousand miles…
🙂
Shes already so big!!! Time goes by so quickly!! You tarts sound wonderful and looks so pretty!!
wow! i can already see how she’s changing! what a little doll!
Those first weeks are the toughest…and look at you back to baking!!! A beautiful tart…but it’s your beautiful girl that’s won me over.
These pine nut tarts look good! And I love that gorgeous picture of Lucy.
These tarts are lovely Monet. I love reading about Lucy. I know the days can be tough and I’m so happy you have a wonderful network of women (and a lovely husband) to keep you strong. Keep on keepin’ on!
So its fun time for you all, with such a beautiful baby at home! And it seems that she will be getting a lot of friends of her age to play with in the future, as your friends are also expecting…so good for her! We all love babies, they are so so so adorable!
I love your tart, Monet. Just stopped by your blog while exploring blogs which I haven’t explored so far. I loved your blog. Shall visit you again!
Amazing job at balancing family and still finding the time to make these amazing tarts! Very inspiring.
She’s already smiling??? OH MY GOSH!! Precious, precious, precious!! Your pine nut cream tarts look amazing! I love pine nuts and I bet they bring such a unique flavor to the treat!
It’s such a blast to tead your entries. We’re trying right now, after a long time of not being ready and your blog helps a lot. I used to come here for recipes, but everything you wrote about Lucy, especially the video from the day, made me sure I want to have a child. Thank you.
What eyes! That picture of Lucy is precious. I’m so glad you and your little girl have been spending time together in the kitchen, you sharing your experiences with her and forming new ones together every day. I can only imagine how fast time must be flying.
I’m definitely trying this tart dough – David Lebovitz is a kitchen wizard! You’ve taken this gorgeous dough to the next level 🙂 Hugs, Monet!
It sounds like you’re having such an amazing time! I can barely imagine what it must be like. Such beautiful tarts–and a beautiful baby too. 🙂
Love the top picture – such great light on the tart – I love all the texture. And love the picture of Lucy – totally cute and wonderful. Oh, and the tart? Yeah, I’m loving that too. 😉 Really good stuff – thanks.
Monet,
I’m so glad that you are back to baking with your “little helper.” She is just gorgeous, and that smile, melting hearts all ready.
Your tarts look amazing, and I’m sure that they taste so good.
I really just cannot get over how gorgeous Lucy is! And I’m also pretty amazed that you managed to make these beautiful tarts with her in your arms. I’m all about the pine nuts lately and these are perfection!
I just love how you describe your journey with baby Lucy and somehow the creamy milky look and buttery comfort of this dish is just too fitting!
Dear Monet,
You and Lucy look beautiful. I am so happy for you, Ryan and Lucy.
You are so right that life is a dance and you and your family seem to dancing in beautiful time to the music playing.
The tart looks very delicious; as I am sure it was.
Blessings dearest, Catherine xo
Hi Monet,
Lucy is such a pretty sweet baby! She is so, so, adorable!
How wonderful to be baking this lovely delicious tart with Lucy together!
Thank you for sharing this lovely tart!
Looking forward to see more photos of Lucy!
Take care!
I love seeing the picture of Lucy! She is so bright-eyed and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your love with us!
These tarts look delicious and those photos are gorgeous!
I’m new to your blog, and I wanted to say congrats on that beautiful little girl! 🙂 I’m expecting my own little lady in November and I’m glad to hear that balance can eventually be achieved – it is one of my biggest fears!
These tarts look gorgeous and I love that preparing them is now a sweet memory to treasure with baby Lucy! I can’t wait to read more of your posts 🙂
Such a beautiful baby! I remember those first few weeks…for some reason, not enough sleep comes to mind. However, the time does go by fast, so enjoy every moment with your gorgeous little girl!
Your tarts look utterly delicious! I’ll have to give David’s tart dough a try.
This is cool!