Cherry Creme Tart with Sugar Crust

Yesterday was my birthday, and I am attempting not to feel too old by reminding myself I am still in my 20's. In celebration I did what I do best: spent all day cooking, invited some friends over, ate way too much food, and drank just a little too much Yamayuzu Shibori sake.

I made all sorts of yummy treats: two types of cashew "cheese," sweet potato and kale enchiladas, bean enchiladas, toast points, and a cherry creme tart with pears. Friends brought cupcakes, artichoke dip, fruit and a soysage chard medley that was delish. It all made for a great birthday. I'll post all the recipes, but wanted to start off with the dish that ended the night, the creme tart. I passed on the traditional cake and veganized Julia Child's sugar crust recipe (oh, how she must be spinning in her grave) and modified the ppk's berry creme tart recipe. The result was a filling that was cream and smooth, not to sweet, and a crust that was like a rich buttery, flaky sugar cookie. 

Cherry Creme Tart

Persimmon and Tart Cherry Cookies

Autumn is my favorite season. The flame orange and yellow leaves falling to the sidewalk, the chill outside that creeps under our hardwood floors. The rainboots and slickers that passersby don. Apples, pumpkins, kale, cranberries and other produce that pair well with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg make my heart sing. It’s the time of year I get to hunker down with my favorite ingredients and cook, and the time of year I really bust into long neglected craft projects. It’s gray and cold and there’s no guilt in staying inside and cozy. I also like to bake in the winter–fill myself and those I love with sweet earthy tone treats.

Apparently, persimmons are in season, as I’ve gotten 4 in the last 2 weeks in my CSA box. I believe I’ve only had a persimmon once in my life, and while they are delicious (with a soft apricot honey flavor) I was pretty stumped as to what in the world to actually do with such produce. So, if you’re in the same boat as I am, try making some cookies.

Persimmon and Tart Cherry Cookies