Friday, October 8, 2010

French Fridays with Dorie: Gérard's Mustard Tart


I shake my head as I walk in the store and see all sorts of tart pans. It's not going to be an easy decision. Big, little, individual, circular, rectangular, traditional and nonstick. Thank God I'm by myself because I know I'll be standing there forever.

My eye immediately goes to the gorgeous, elongated, rectangular tart pans screaming for beautiful fillings. I imagine sweet and savory versions gracing my table. It's the one that I really want and I'd love to have it. Out of the corner of my eye, I spy those terribly cute individual tart pans. Why do they have to be so petite and cute? The girl in me wants them. They're so adorable. Visions of brunch with the girls oohing and aahing over my cute individual tarts run through my mind. The Mom in me sets them down and returns to reality. Brunch with the girls...I must be dreaming. I pick up the standard, traditional and circular tart pan. I've picked it up before. I know it's the one I should buy, but nothing about it excites me. Sure, it's pretty, but it's really just your everyday tart pan. I know I'll appreciate it, but I won't admire it in the same way I admired the others.

In the back of my mind I realize that there's some symbolism involved in my decision. I'm equating those tart pans to my life. On one hand, being a housewife is a wonderful thing and for the most part I do enjoy it. On the other hand, it can be rather mundane and monotonous, each day running into the next without much change. That traditional circular tart pan reminds me of everyday. Predictable, standard, reliable, even boring at times. Over the years, I've picked up that tart pan several times and I always put it back. I just couldn't give in to it. This, my friends, is the sole reason that I've never made a tart before.

A couple of days ago, I bit the bullet and bought the traditional tart pan. I didn't give myself time to think about all my issues. I was in a hurry. When I brought it home everyone asked me what I bought and I replied "nothing". I set it on the counter and it sat there for days, staring at me. No one asked me about it.

When Thursday rolled around I knew I better face it. It was time to start my Mustard Tart for French Fridays with Dorie. The tart dough requires chilling time, therefore I wanted to make the dough the day before. This morning I got out all the ingredients for the tart: tart dough, steamed carrots and leeks, eggs, cream and two different types of mustard. Simple, but beautiful ingredients.

I partially baked the tart dough. Once cooled, I poured the egg, cream, and mustard mixture into the tart. As I was artfully arranging the steamed carrot and leek batons, I was in awe. This simple, traditional, everyday tart pan was turning into something absolutely beautiful! I knew instantly that it would be something I would be proud of!

When I opened up the oven I was ecstatic with the results. A perfectly golden crust. A beautifully colored tart. The wonderful, light scent of mustard, one of my favorite things. It was beautiful, colorful, and exciting. I looked at my first tart with admiration. I took a bite and fell in love with it. Nope, nothing everyday or mundane with this tart! It was fresh, fragrant and exciting in every way.

24 comments:

  1. OMG, this tart is GORGEOUS Kim!! You did a beautiful job! I loved your tart pan story, you have such a wonderful way of writing. If it makes you feel any better, I only own one tart pan. The boring one. But you're right, amazing, wonderful, delicious things can come out of a boring tart pan. :o)

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  2. I'm glad the tart was exciting even if the pan wasn't ;) I had a feeling you'd like it since it contains mustard! Enjoyed the story and symbolism of shopping for the tart pan. Very nice.

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  3. It's not the pan, but what you put in to it. I'm sure that you'll make that boring round tart pan look spectular. Your off to a good start with this gorgeous tart. We all really enjoyed this little tart at our house.
    Mimi

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  4. I admire your restraint. As you said, there must be some deeper psychological things going on here. I bought the long one first, and then went back for the round. I still want the small ones though!

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  5. looks splendid and just like the pic in the book

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  6. Nice analogy - I wonder what my collection of tart pans says about me! ;)

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  7. I think you made the right decision. ;) Great story.

    Lovely tart. I made the tomato version and really enjoyed it too.

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  8. Great post Kim! Your tart is beautiful, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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  9. I loved reading your post! Your tart looks beautiful! Isn't it fun to make something and it looks just like the picture in the book!

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  10. I love the words that went along with these gorgeous images. you are certainly not monotonous or mundane my dear. Even if you do have a CLASSIC round tart pan. (trust me. It's better than having no tart pan at all. Ahem.) This looks delicious!

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  11. Oh! Your tart looks like a painting! And I love the story about your tart pan.

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  12. Welcome to the world of tarts. This is a lovely savory recipe you presented. I've longed for that elongated tart pan myself. Someday....

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  13. Gorgeous--both the writing on the post and the tart--you did a wonderful job. I have a large round tart pan that I hardly ever use and then I bought a set of four mini because they were $5 at Ross, and those I actually use occasionally. So what does that say about me?! ;-) (Oh yeah I gaze at that long tart pan and droll a bit over it too!)

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  14. or rather drool over it (not droll!) ;-)

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  15. I wish I could be a standard round tart pan again... With two sons in college, working full time and going to school, I'm probably every tart pan in the store and wish to be the round one.

    Great post.

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  16. I like the metaphorical thoughts as you bought the dish, I like moments of clarity like that. Great looking tart, I like the savoriness.

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  17. It does look beautiful! Congrats on the pan. I say go back and buy 'em all, that way you can be a different gal every time you bake. ;-)

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  18. That is a great photo and it looks delicious! Now that you have made a tart with the traditional pan you can give in to the little girl in you and buy those petite tart pans the next time you go shopping. :)

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  19. Kim, what an interesting post about the tart pan and your life. I think I'm going to start thinking more about things in this way! Enjoy your time as a stay-home mother; I'd return to that stage in my life for anything! Altho I love what I do, I could stay home and enjoy it again tremendously. The tart is totally gorgeous too!

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  20. I love your tart, and I know the feeling of standing in the cookware section, trying to decide between practical and sensational!

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  21. Great looking tart and I love your post, I think I've been there a few times :o)

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  22. Your tart looks gorgeous! I can see the mustard seeds. Thanks for reminding me I want that rectangular pan on my xmas list. ::g::

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  23. Aaaah, what a sweet post. Your tart looks fantastic and anything but boring.

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  24. How did I miss this? I broke down and invested in a tart pan a few years ago - and so glad I did. It is so oo la la French - and that tart - I must run out and get the cookbook... ohhh that tart!

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