One of the joys of living in Western Washington is the abundance of fresh produce to choose from. Farmers Markets and road side stands are scattered across our areas. Some of us are even lucky enough to belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). So when the opportunity to receive Seasonal Fruit Desserts (right when lots of fruit will be in season) I was all over the chance.
Seasonal Fruit Desserts by Deborah Madison( I actually own her Vegetarian Cookbook) is a visually beautiful cookbook that really focuses on creating desserts that lets the fruit shine through (imagine that). Some of the desserts are as simple as Strawberries in Red Wine Syrup which consists of strawberries (duh), red wine (again duh), sugar and some peppercorns, which I thought was an interesting addition. The author suggest serving them over orange segments. I, being a glutenous person, would probably go for over ice cream. 🙂 But that is an example of the many recipes that highlight just the fruit and all it has to offer at it’s seasonal best.
I personally chose to make a tart. Now if you read my blog you will know that I don’t make a lot of pies (at least not traditional ones) as I hate making pie crust. So when I saw the recipe for Cream Tart with Black Raspberries I almost passed it up since it said tart. But while looking at the photo I noticed that the tart dough looked different. And it is. It’s almost cake like, and goes amazingly well with the fruit. If I were to get nothing else more from this book, that Silky Tart Dough recipe is worth the cost of the book (though I must disclaim that I received this book for free). I did deviate for my recipe and use blackberries and blueberries. No black raspberries to be found and those were the closest I could find in color. And it was the color in the photo that made me pick the recipe.
And don’t just think it is all about Summer produce, there are some great recipes for the more hearty months. I can’t wait to try the Quinoa Pudding (I love and obsess over quinoa so it was great to see it in a dessert) using dried cherries and cranberries. And the Native Wild Rice Pudding with Maple Syrup and Wine Soaked Cherries sounds like a winner as well. I love the use of wild rice.
If you love fruit and more importantly desserts that highlight all the lushness that fruit has to offer, than this is the book for you.
To see what others thought about the book, head over to A Blithe Palate for the round up later on this week.
Clover says
Yum! We won’t have anything fresh for quite a while in Northern New York, but this looks like a book worth getting for when the farmer’s markets go nuts!
Anna says
Thanks for the book review- it’s always nice to be reminded of all the wonderful fruits out there to use, especially with so many delicious ones coming into season right now!
sarah says
that tart is gorgeous!
Holly says
Great minds and all that! I was enthralled with that Silky Tart Dough too and agree completely that the book is worth it for that alone. I made the Huckleberry Cream Tart and just posted it. I love the look of the blackberries in yours!
Rosa says
That book sounds interesting! Your tart looks irresistible!
Cheers,
Rosa
FOODESSA says
Our berry season is soon at our doorstep in our area of Montreal. I just can’t wait to go fresh picking.
Very nice (cake-like) tart ;0)
Looks yummy indeed.
Thanks for sharing, Claudia
Joanne says
I was seriously thinking about making this recipe when I got the cookbook (instead choosing to go with the coconut rice pudding cake…um delicious). I’m deathly afraid of tart dough as well (I have no faith in my ability to cut butter into anything) but this looks so delicious!
Sommer @ A Spicy Perspective says
This looks absolutely lovely! Can’t wait to try it!
bellini valli says
I am not a huge fan of making pies either peabody…pie crust is my nemesis.This is an excellent solution as well as the press in shortbread-like crusts too.
Lynn says
ooooo that looks wonderful <3
good thing i'm wearing black, i just drooled on myself.
and about your previous post, i've always thought you were gorgeous, but healthy = more gorgeous!!! keep it up~ i'm working on my health now too. in my case, it was steroids for asthma which i took for around 10 years, and after switching prescriptions it took another 10 to get it out of my system. just need to get the weight off, now that i can. 🙂
take care, and thank you, as always, for the virtual sugar high! and good read ;D
Jennifer says
What a gorgeous tart, great choice and perfect time of year for fresh berries! they are coming about down here, love it!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
Yummy!I am obsessive with berries. I like all types! Mostly raspberries so I would probably do them. hehe
Those are really beautiful photos too!
Koek! says
Mmmm… That looks fruitylicious!
Robyn
kristan roland says
Yum, yum, yum…I agree on the pie crust…what a pain. Tarts are the way to go!!
Sues says
Wow, that does look lovely! I don’t mind making pie crust so much if I can find the time. But I rarely have the time and it never comes out good if I’m rushing! This sounds fabulous 🙂
Denise says
Since you love and obsess over quinoa, would you consider doing a quinoa recipes on here sometime? i’d love a sweet, dessert-y quinoa recipe (i’m really getting into it as a staple for dinners and lunches)
Kristina says
Before I clicked on your site I was seriously thinking how exciting it will be to pick berries this year! Someone told me of a very long walking path in this area (N. Seattle) that is lined on either side with wild blackberry bushes. The idea that I can show up with a basket is so exciting I think I will explode! And then there are the blueberries! I will have to make lots of great things with all the berries I intend to pick, so I will need to get this book fo sho.
Jena says
YUM. That looks amaaaaaazing!!!
Manggy says
You know, I hadn’t noticed before that there were few tarts here. But I gotta say, having an almost-cake for crust sounds wicked awesome 🙂
Seen this book, but it’s not yet on queue for The Gastronomer’s Bookshelf. I’d love to, though (though the produce here isn’t that varied. How is it with tropical fruits? Do they count as aseasonal?)
Maria says
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. I adore fruit desserts. Looks like a winner!
The Purple Foodie says
your berry tart looks fabulous and I am excited about this book now. Added it to my wishlist!
Eliana says
Gorgeous lookin tart girl!
hina says
hi peabody!
Your blog is one of my regulars but this is my first time posting. I’ve just started my own blog, and was hoping that you would take the time to come on over and check it out!
P.S. the tart looks absolutely amazing!
Andrea says
OMG I just ordered this book off Amazon on Friday and I can’t wait for it to arrive. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to Jersey Farmers markets and fruit stands myself. It’s going to be a fruity summer!