Too Many Tarts

My sister-in-law is getting hitched soon, and I'm lucky enough to be her pick 

when it came to making the wedding cake- or rather pie, since she's having a carnival theme.

Following her theme, we decided it was more fitting to have His & Hers tarts to feed each other for pictures, so, this last weekend, she and her fiance came out west 

and we squeezed in a little Tart Tasting.

I was so caught up in the sampling with them, I totally forgot to snap a few shots of the actual tasting 

(just imagine eyes rolling back, clinking forks, and smiling faces and you're there!),

but here's what we dug into...

Salted Hazelnut & Chocolate Truffle Tart

Blackberry Honeyed-Caramel Lattice Pie

Mascarpone Tart w/ Balsamic Strawberries

Kiwi Tart w/ Fresh Strawberries

There was much deliberation, loads of 'yummy' moans, and the final decision took more than a few tortured minutes- all of which bring me to the conclusion that this tasting was a complete success!

So what did they choose?

Keith opted for the Blackberry Lattice,

and Megan was won over by the Balsamic-Strawberry 

(especially satisfying since when I proposed the idea she was unconvinced of the dessert magic an aged balsamic vinegar could work!),

although it should be noted that the Salted Hazelnut Truffle scored major points with everyone in attendance!

Three cheers for flaky pastry, creamy fillings,

and early May weddings!

Pure Childhood

I recently read a blogpost by my talented sister talking about how wonderful childhood is to photograph, how addictive it can be, and just how photogenic our kids are as opposed to us older ones who fix a fake smile on our faces when we see a camera & inevitably regret the forced results.

After a trip to the park the other night, I couldn't help but add my voice to hers-

kids are the BEST!

They run around with their hair blowing every direction, 

(Bad hair day?  Never heard of it!)

pretend to be ferocious animals guarding the train tracks, 

(Lions & tigers, and bears- oh my!)

and really plant one when told to 'give him a kiss!" 

("Honey, remember, he's your brother!")

Maybe that's why we need to become parents, 

to remember what it's like to leave all inhibition behind,

to turn sticks into bows and arrows,

and run like the devil's on our heels!

Meet Miss Kennedy

 I think I've mentioned before how much I love newborns.

They're so sweet and sleepy, their tiny features photography beautifully, and I get my baby fix 

without any of the accompanying pregnancy or labor pains.

Wonderful.

When I have my next baby, I hope I'm as laid-back and put-together as Aubrey, and 

my own sweet little bundle as angelic as Miss Kennedy Jae!