Saturday, August 8, 2009

Saturday Morning Meanderings . . . and one of the prettiest, easiest desserts ever



One of my favorite mystery series is written by Vicki Lane; the Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mystery Series. It just so happens, Vicki also writes one of my favorite blogs. Sometimes she writes about her writing, sometimes she writes about what wonderful foods are cooking in her kitchen, and sometimes she takes us for a stroll around her farm in these beautiful North Carolina mountains, which is a pure piece of heaven. Always she includes some of the most gorgeous photos imaginable.

I love Vicki's books. And I'm not alone - her In A Dark Season is up for an Anthony Award this year - a very prestigous award in the mystery world. The Anthony Awards are presented at Bouchercon, this year to be held in Indianapolis. While I'm waiting for Vicki's next book, I get a great deal of joy from her Vicki Lane Mysteries Blogspot. I hope she'll take my little attempt at copying the peace, serenity and joy of her lovely blog here at Meanderings and Muses this morning in the spirit meant and remember that "imitation is the greatest form of flattery."


It's a gorgeous, cool day in the mountains. We're lucky for not having to suffer extreme heat or humidity here in Boone, but I must say - this is the coolest summer I can remember. Perfect!
Let's get out and enjoy it -


Time for a walk, Harley!!


hmmm. . .
maybe not.


okay - I'm going without you . . .


oh? changed your mind, huh?


well, then - let's take a little stroll








wonder when this bed is going to fill in enough to hide the telephone pole thingie, since that was the whole purpose of putting it here . . .




okeey doke, Harley; let's run run run -
back to the house.

Time to fix a dessert.


When Donald and I were still in Atlanta and working at Georgia Tech, I worked for awhile with a young woman named Gigi Markyna. Gigi is a fantastic cook, and an even better baker - ooooooh mercy - those desserts! One of my favorites is her Obsttorte (or fruit torte) which she bakes from her mother's recipe, and which she was gracious enough to share with me.

Funny coincidence concerning Gigi and her Obsttorte. I made this lovely dessert for our neighborhood 4th of July party. I had not made it in forever; simply because I had forgotten all about it. Donald suggested it, saying "how 'bout that dessert Gigi used to make?" I remembered immediately which dessert he meant, and we wondered how Gigi might be and what she was up to.

Then not even two weeks later, Gigi and I rediscovered one another at Facebook and are in the process of playing "catch-up."

So - get yourself a torte pan, like this one - - -


and pull out your prettiest platter (I happen to be addicted to pottery. More about that another day in another blog).


Whip up your torte, and choose whatever fruit and/or berries you want to use on top. On this one I used strawberries and blackberries, but the choices are endless.


Spoon a little whipped cream on top, and VoilĂ , a taste of summer!

5 comments:

le0pard13 said...

... this is the coolest summer I can remember.

I've read this I don't know how many time (in blogs and regular news). Same here in L.A. Weather has been changing for these last few years. When I was a kid, August was the hottest month of the summer. Now, it's the coolest (having temps back in the 70's).

And that tort looks very tasty. Very nice post. Thanks.

Carol Murdock said...

Kaye great post Kaye! I really enjoyed it!

Vicki Lane said...

Why, thank you, Kaye -- I enjoyed the stroll with Harley and am slavering over the torte.

xox, V

Patti L said...

I am also addicted to pottery, though most of it is packed away for the time being; out of shelf space, plus not sure we're going to stay in this apartment. I miss it though. I need to use the piece I do have unpacked--thanks for reminding me :)!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Lucky you to get to visit with Vicki Lane. So glad you included your picture together. Wish she would come over our way sometime.

Your tart is beautiful. Very French.
Sam