Pies and Tarts – Page 6 – Wait…are those…cookies?!

November 24, 2019

Apples, squared

Hi Friends, happy almost Thanksgiving!

Boy, November went fast. It seems like I blinked and it’s nearly December, what?! I enjoy this time of year and wish it didn’t whizz by quite so quickly. Oh well, nothing to do but live in the moment! I love the transition to winter produce – I have yet to buy pomegranates (waiting for the dumb things to go on sale) but everything else is fully on my radar, especially apples.

Did a great hike up to Twin Peaks today – it’s been awhile since I’ve done that one, and it was great to get back up there… even though I discovered about halfway through that my legs were/are extremely fried from a few really good lifting days this week. I think I’ll be taking tomorrow off… though knowing me, I’m sure I’ll walk to work because heaven forbid I sit still all day, ugh.

C and I had a great time last night with a board game that matched the aesthetics of this galette – we had a good laugh when we realized how coordinated things were (Between Two Cities is the game – super fun, just in case any of my board gaming peeps out there are looking for a new-to-you game).

Of course we ate it for breakfast too – I know, I know, try to contain your astonishment. Suuuuper good alongside a giant breakfast salad with eggs & caponata.

img_1491-1

I’ve been wanting to use miso in a dessert for quite awhile at this point, so I’m super glad this ended up working out. I can feel a galette kick coming on – they are so infinitely adaptable to seasonality of produce and various flavors. Miso adds just a little hint of savory oomf to the almond filling of this one – you don’t taste it and automatically think miso soup hahaa; in fact, I don’t really notice it, but I LOVE the filling taste. C was right there with me so I’d say it’s a winner. There was only a small piece left for a snack later when I left, ha! Success.

Hit me up if you have desserty Thanksgiving questions! I’m happy to weigh in, if you’re feeling indecisive or otherwise uninspired. I’m baking for at least two dinners this year – one for my actual Thanksgiving with C’s fam, and a Friendsgiving two days later. I’m not planning on making pumpkin pie for either one – stay tuned ;)

I’m loving tulips right now, as you can see – this picture below reminds me of 17th century Dutch Golden Age vertias still life paintings! Where the flowers are past their prime but still beautiful in their own way:

Happy early Thanksgiving! I’m sure I’ll be posting what I make but more likely than not it’ll be after the fact. Have a great short week!

Apple and Black Sesame Galette with Almond Miso Frangipane

A perfect fall galette – easy dessert or brunch! The miso is very subtle if you’re at all worried about tasting it – you really don’t; it just gives the filling a slight savory oompf. Grain and gluten free, refined sugar free; lactose free option. Yield: 1 galette, serves several.

For the galette dough:

1.5 c almond flour (not meal; you want the finer flour variety)
1/2 c tapioca flour
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 c black sesame seeds
6 tbsp salted butter, chopped (or ghee)
1 egg**
1 tbsp vanilla extract

*alternately you can use a flax egg with very similar results (3tbsp water + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed)

In a food processor or high-power blender (I used a food processor), pulse almond flour, tapioca starch, salt, sesame seeds and butter to combine until it looks like coarse meal. Add in egg and vanilla extract and pulse just until combined. Turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape into a disk and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

For the filling:
4 apples, sliced thinly (I used Granny Smith and Lady Alice for fun color contrast)
1/3 almond butter
1 tbsp brown rice miso
pinch of sea salt
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 egg

In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, sea salt, miso, vanilla, maple and egg until smooth. Set aside.

Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, keeping the circle to about 1/4″ thickness. Peel off the top piece of parchment, and slide the rolled out dough on its parchment onto a baking sheet. Top with almond butter-miso filling in the center, leaving a border of dough around the edges, and add the apples. Begin folding up the sides, creasing them together as you go – if the dough rips, that’s okay (you can crimp the cracks back together; remember: galettes are forgiving and rustic!); you can use the bottom piece of parchment to help fold up the sides.

Dot the apples with butter and sprinkle dough with a little coconut sugar. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden brown — mine came out just fine at 35 minutes, so check accordingly.

Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then carefully slide the whole galette onto a cooling rack to let it cool completely. Serve with your fave ice cream or whatever of choice! Keeps well covered in foil on the counter or in the fridge.

November 4, 2019November 4, 2019

All Things Autumnal

E62EA0D4-4925-4B5C-B678-9A7C5A95ED92

Hi friends, happy Monday!

25C7AF3D-7699-4DF1-924D-4195344C0BFA

I have a rustic, easy galette for you today – sometimes even I need a break from tarts ;) Besides, I LOVE galettes to highlight seasonal fruit. They’re unfussy, quick to throw together, and can accommodate a variety of random pantry ingredients and dietary needs/preferences. Basically, they’re just a win all around. Not to mention they make a superb breakfast the next day! Or snack, or basically whatever.

D52FF9F2-3EB0-4884-8B8F-41AC491E0EA7

This one features the oh-so-autumnal pears (d’Anjou and Bosc, two favorites of mine) coupled with all things sesame. I’m having a moment with black sesame lately and I’ve been itching to do more things with it, so here it is making an appearance in galette dough. I love the warm grey color the dough ends up being – much of it bakes out, but you’ll see a little of it in the photos still.

F8539770-970B-45D7-BD39-817C839771CC

Tahini, almond and pears are made for each other anyway, so this is an easy sell. As usual, C and I ate it with ice cream for dessert and then again the following morning with coffee as a post-climbing snack (tried NOT to finish the remaining half in one sitting – accomplished this only to some degree).

74CB0A45-9EAE-4AE7-ADAC-88C45973CEA4

The time change has happened! I do kind of like cuddling up in the evenings this time of year – it makes me feel like it’s holiday time. Then again, I really like walking home from work in the daylight so that’s a mild bummer – just means I have to walk to work instead.

8F2E63AA-55BE-4EB8-9890-F75AF037555B

I had a succulent potting party with the fam yesterday! Check out these cute little guys planted in my gram’s best friend’s china. More plant friends!

385DE50F-43D5-444F-B5FB-0842629E801C

67855E27-B902-4BB4-BC4A-A43333832DD7

I hope your week goes smoothly – I’m just about ready for another weekend, not sure about you guys but that one went by way too fast.

83D2FB1F-FFF5-4250-BB8A-471CBE3EEB9C

Pear, Tahini and Black Sesame Galette

Nutty, lightly sweet and perfect for fall. Gluten and grain free, refined sugar free, paleoish. Could be lactose free if you use ghee instead of butter! Yield: 1 galette, serves several. A Wait are those Cookies original.

For the galette dough:

1.5 c almond flour (not meal; you want the finer flour variety)
1/2 c tapioca flour
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 c black sesame seeds, lightly toasted and crushed*
6 tbsp salted butter, chopped (or ghee)
1 egg**
1 tbsp vanilla extract

*lightly toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for a few minutes, shaking the pan frequently. crush the warm seeds in a mortar before adding them to the food processor
**alternately you can use a flax egg with very similar results (3tbsp water + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed)

In a food processor or high-power blender (I used a food processor), pulse almond flour, tapioca starch, salt, ground sesame seeds and butter to combine until it looks like coarse meal. Add in egg and vanilla extract and pulse just until combined. Turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape into a disk and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

For the filling:
2 pears, sliced thinly (I used d’Anjou and Bosc)
1/4 c tahini
pinch of sea salt
1/4 c unsalted almond butter
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp maple syrup

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, sea salt, almond butter, extracts and maple. Set aside.

Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, keeping the circle to about 1/4″ thickness. Peel off the top piece of parchment, and slide the rolled out dough on its parchment onto a baking sheet. Top with the tahini and almond butter filling in the center, leaving a border of dough around the edges, and add the pears. Begin folding up the sides, creasing them together as you go – if the dough rips, that’s okay (you can crimp the cracks back together; remember: galettes are forgiving and rustic!); you can use the bottom piece of parchment to help fold up the sides.

Dot the pears with butter and sprinkle dough with a little coconut sugar. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden brown — mine came out just fine at 35 minutes, so check accordingly.

19EFBE36-0101-4841-8A2E-543E09CCBB03

October 28, 2019October 28, 2019

Yuzu & black sesame = made for each other

5780752D-0B6B-4A02-97F5-3324F3BAFC18

Hi friends,

It’s so hard to be upbeat about dessert and life when my beautiful state is on fire, out of power, and struggling so hard. I’m going to try my best to keep it positive in my little corner of the internet, if only to give us something pretty to look at in the midst of all this.

5E37C7B7-5725-4660-BD00-1004AE819392

23AC32D2-03F1-4DC9-AB3A-EB8C909A692E

Today, I have a yuzu and black sesame panna cotta tart for you – I made it over the weekend and it was much loved by all! I’m pretty obsessed with everything black sesame at the moment so rest assured you’ll be seeing more of it here in future posts.

Also, I needed to use (yuz-u… ha see what I did there) up the last of my yuzu juice so this was a great way to do so.

6171F09E-4A60-4D71-B33E-6B67A15BCD8B

This was (emphasis on was – it’s long gone, and not only because I’m late in posting, ha!) a great combination of tart, nutty, and creamy all at the same time. The citrusy tartness of the yuzu pairs so well with black sesame – they’re made for each other.

D907666B-0626-4C4C-BE1C-DDA82E040663

As per usual – great for breakfast, dessert, snacks: all of the above.

A couple shots of Fort Funston since I headed out that way this weekend and it was as beautiful as always.

12DFA8D8-6341-493C-8685-644E689AA4FF

CB0CD012-AE76-479B-95BF-44459264F6B4

Short and sweet today: love your peeps. Make them tart!

3EF34AC9-B58D-4E66-A65C-00D895DE11E0

Yuzu and Black Sesame Panna Cotta

Gluten free, dairy free & refined sugar free! A nice balance of tartness and creaminess and nuttiness. Yield: 1 9″ tart, serves several. A Wait are Those Cookies original.

For the crust:

1/4 c black sesame seeds
1.5 c almond flour
1/3c unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3c cornmeal
heaping 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
6 tbsp coconut oil, melted

In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, toast black sesame seeds, shaking the pan occasionally, until you hear the first one pop. Remove from heat. Using a mortar & pestle, grind up the seeds until they’re a gritty, flour-like consistency. You’ll probably have a few larger pieces in there, which is totally fine.

In a large bowl, stir together sesame seeds, almond flour, shredded coconut, cornmeal, sea salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, maple, and melted coconut oil, and stir until completely combined. The dough will look crumbly, but you’ll be able to press it together with your fingers.
Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease a 9″ tart pan (w/ removable bottom) with coconut oil. Press the crust into the plate and up the sides with a spoon or your fingers, creating a smooth edge (or not, your call!). Poke the bottom with a fork a few times, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

Panna Cotta:
1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 tbsp vanilla
Scant 1/4 cup maple
1/4 c yuzu juice
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 c water, cold

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cold water. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan. Add maple and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently. Stir in yuzu juice and vanilla. Remove from heat, and whisk in the gelatin mixture. Stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Top with sliced citrus, figs, etc.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast or snacks the next day.

07B17E40-4554-4540-BD34-AD5AA6F0C519

October 24, 2019

Downton Pie

C9A77E74-95DD-4A6C-A622-9BA68004EB7F

Hey hey friends!

Short and sweet today – this isn’t so much a recipe as it is a brainchild that actually came to fruition, of which I’m SO pleased and proud. Many of you will have already seen this on my insta, but I’m sharing it here too for blog posterity.

I made a Downton Abbey Pie! I really wasn’t sure I could pull this off and have it translate in pie dough, but somehow it worked. As usual for these crazy, once-a-year pies, this one was my donation to be auctioned off for the benefit of Lamplighters Music Theater at their yearly gala – so many friends, such a fun day! It was Downton Abbey themed and I couldn’t resist.

For those of you interested in the specifics:

Total renderings for concept design: 2
Total time: 4 hours
Top crust design & construction: 2 hours
Bottom crust crimp & pie assembly: 1 hour
Bake time: ~shy of 1 hour
Essential tools: paring knife, bench scraper, rolling pin, hands, crappy pair of scissors
Amount of blueberries: somewhere close to 4 cups
Flour usage: just over 2.5 c of whole wheat pastry flour
Butter usage: just over half a pound
Refined sugar usage: none, of course!
Final bid: $65! YAAAY!
Amount of fun had and creative joy generated: defies description

There you have it!

Pie. The Dowager might think it was chintzy, but I’m happy with it ;)

September 28, 2019September 28, 2019

Figgin’ delicious

fullsizeoutput_2812

Hi friends!

fullsizeoutput_281e

I’ve had a wonderful week – my birthday was last Monday, so C planned a whole surprise trip to Monterey! So so so lovely and relaxing.

fullsizeoutput_27f1

fullsizeoutput_27c1

fullsizeoutput_27cc

I didn’t bake anything for my birthday this year but I did get to spend quality time with the fave human, enjoy myself at the spa and on the beach and play board games + read my book, so I consider this a winning situation. Ofc we also went to the aquarium! How could you not. Plushies were acquired, ha! He got a kraken and I now have Norma the Narwhal keeping me company.

fullsizeoutput_27fb

fullsizeoutput_27e7

Vati’s birthday was yesterday! This is the week of all the birthdays. Ergo, there is dessert! He doesn’t know about this one yet as I’m writing this, sneaky sneaky. I’ll be bringing it over in a few hours and scheduling this post to drop after I arrive. Ha!

fullsizeoutput_280b

This tart is inspired by horchata! I love horchata with a fierce passion, though I very rarely drink it because it’s usually so sweet. I took the cinnamon-vanilla idea and threw it in with some coconut milk, tucked inside a spicy chocolate shell. I have to say (based on the few taste tests I had while putting this together) that this is a winning combination. Vati looooves all things spicy so I think it’s definitely his jam.

fullsizeoutput_281d

fullsizeoutput_2809

I love what happened with the surface of the panna cotta too – not sure actually what happened there but my guess is that once it was mostly set, I shut the fridge door slightly harder than I meant to and jostled it. Regardless, it’s a super cool effect so I might try to replicate at some point.

fullsizeoutput_281c

Alsooooo it’s FIG SEASON. I have stopped by the market repeatedly to pick up figs the last several weeks – can’t stop, won’t stop. Fig season isn’t that long so I have to get after it while I can! I LOVE figs. Especially these – they’re called Panachée or tiger stripe figs, and they have gorgeous magenta insides. Eat out of hand or top a tart with them – can’t go wrong either way!

fullsizeoutput_280f

fullsizeoutput_280a

Happy weekend!! I hope you’re out enjoying the beautiful weather.

fullsizeoutput_2811

Cinnamon Coconut Panna Cotta on a Mexican Chocolate Crust

Inspired by horchata! Cinnamony, vanillay goodness with in a spicy chocolate crust. Grain & gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. A Wait are those Cookies original. Yield: 1 9″ tart.

fullsizeoutput_2807

For the crust:

1.75 c almond flour
1/3 c unsweetened cacao powder
1/4 c unsweetened shredded coconut
heaping 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
4 tbsp coconut oil, melted

In a large bowl, stir together almond flour, cacao powder, coconut, sea salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, maple, and melted coconut oil and stir until completely combined. The dough will look crumbly, but you’ll be able to press it together with your fingers.

Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease a pie plate with coconut oil. Press the crust into the plate and up the sides with a spoon or your fingers, creating a smooth edge (or not, your call!). Poke the bottom with a fork a few times, and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove and let cool.

Panna Cotta:
1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 c cold water
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
1.5 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup maple
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan. Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple, and salt, stirring consistently. Remove from the heat. Add the gelatin mixture and stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast the next morning :)

Behind the scenes…

fullsizeoutput_280d

fullsizeoutput_2811

September 16, 2019September 16, 2019

Yuzu da bomb (see what I did there?!)

fullsizeoutput_2772

Hi friends!

fullsizeoutput_2768

Hey, we made it through Monday! Not sure about you, but I’ve been counting the hours till I could get back in bed, starting when I got out of bed this morning. Lucky for me, that time is nearly upon me.

fullsizeoutput_2784

At least I got to wake up to some rain this morning! SF got a bit of heavy drizzle / real rain, and it smelled soooo good. More of that please! I might be in the minority there but I love the rain, unashamedly.

I had a really delightful day yesterday being super productive with all my usual weekly cleaning / laundry / market shopping / exercise / etc but also made some nice me-time for myself: brunch (pictured below), a long walk, my book, and a sun puddle. Fave human dropped by in the evening to share yuzu tart with me, so all in all a really solid day.

fullsizeoutput_276c

I have yuzu tart for you today! Yuzu is a citrus fruit commonly found in Japanese and Korean cooking – I happen to live right across from Japantown, which makes sourcing yuzu juice exceptionally easy. Happy days! I love yuzu. Well actually, it would be factually more accurate to say that I love all things citrus, but yuzu is fun because it reminds me quite a bit of key lime. I hardly ever (maybe never?!) do anything with key limes since it seems like they’re hard to find out here, but yuzu makes an arguably better substitute.

fullsizeoutput_2780

The cream-based filling of this tart is silky smooth – it’s light, but satisfying. The citrus keeps it from feeling overwhelming or heavy, and it plays extraordinarily well with the salty almond crust.

fullsizeoutput_276e

I had some leftover filling that I tossed into tiny ramekins, and then couldn’t resist decorating. Of course. You’re shocked, I know.

fullsizeoutput_2775

fullsizeoutput_2785

fullsizeoutput_2763

I’ve never made a tart with a boiled cream filling – the texture is much softer than a panna cotta, and so easy! ALSO, there aren’t any eggs in it, so if you’re baking for any allergies, it’s ideal. I am definitely adding this to the rotation. Simply boil cream, let cool, and pour into the crust: it sets in about 2 hours in the fridge (though I’d say chill it at least 4 before serving). I will say that because it’s a softer tart, it doesn’t slice as cleanly, so if presentation is your ultimate endgame, you might want to go the panna cotta route.

fullsizeoutput_2770

Either way, it’s delicious and I’m so glad that a) I made it and b) that I have leftover yuzu juice. Stay tuned! More yuzu shenanigans are coming your way.

Have a great week!

fullsizeoutput_2764

Yuzu Cream Tart on a Salted Almond Crust

Creamy, citrusy & fresh – the best of all worlds. Yuzu reminds me of key lime, so the creamy filling of the tart plays really well against the salty-ish almond crust. Gluten, grain and refined sugar free. Could be dairy free – just use coconut cream (minus the water) instead of heavy cream. Yield: 1 9″ tart, serves several. Tart filling & method inspired by / modified from Half Baked Harvest, here! Crust is a Wait are Those Cookies original.

For the crust

1.75c almond flour
1/2 c shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp baking powder
Scant 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
6 tbsp coconut oil, melted

In a large bowl, stir together almond flour, shredded coconut, sea salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, maple, and melted coconut oil, and stir until completely combined. You’ll be able to press the dough together with your fingers.

Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease a 9″ tart pan (w/ removable bottom) with coconut oil. Press the crust into the plate and up the sides with a spoon or your fingers, creating a smooth edge (or not, your call!). Poke the bottom with a fork a few times, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

For the filling

3.5 c heavy cream
1/4 c raw honey
Zest of 2 limes (or fresh yuzu, if you can find it)
1/3 c yuzu juice
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Combine heavy cream, honey, and lime zest in a large pot (cream tends to boil over, so use something bigger than you high is necessary!) Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then remove from the heat. Whisk in the yuzu juice, vanilla, and salt. Let cool for at least 10 minutes (mine probably cooled for more like 20 min), then carefully pour the cream into the baked tart shell. Let set in the refrigerator at least 4 hours before serving.

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge!

fullsizeoutput_2788

September 3, 2019

I love you so matcha

fullsizeoutput_2715

Hi friends! I hope everyone enjoyed their three day weekend – I know I did… Tuesday back at work was especially painful.

fullsizeoutput_2716

Much fun was had over the weekend: sun, fave human, good friends, good food, cold pool, big hats, lots of laughter. Pics included, just because I’m so inordinately pleased with the absolute extra-ness of this hat & how it’s essentially attacking fave human in that first picture. Sorry C, gotta make room for the hat.

There was also tart! Not in the same setting, as there’s no way this tart was going to survive an un-air conditioned car & a picnic. Nope. So, I brought cookies (I had a very nice request from a certain someone who loooves them ;) and we ate the tart the night before and the morning of.

fullsizeoutput_270a

fullsizeoutput_2713

It’s green! Haven’t done matcha in awhile and I was definitely missing it. We both loooove matcha, especially with black sesame. It’s one of my new favorite combinations – very earthy of course, since we’re talking tea here, but in the best way. Grassy and fresh are the words that come to mind – perfect for a Labor Day weekend dessert.

fullsizeoutput_271d

Excellent with ice cream as always (I mean, what isn’t) but totally shines on its own. We had it two ways as usual – with ice cream and a board game in the evening, and keeping the eggs and kale company in the morning.

I picked up a new tiki friend over the weekend as well! Taking name suggestions… drop me a line if you have a particularly good one in mind ;)

Keeping it short today because I’m really ready to curl up with my book for a bit before bed, and I’m happy tomorrow is already Wednesday. Thank goodness for a four day workweek.

fullsizeoutput_271e

Happy not-Monday first day back at work! Let’s make this week fly by, what do you say? I’m already ready for another weekend, that is for SURE.

fullsizeoutput_270e

Matcha and Coconut Panna Cotta on a Black Sesame Crust

A Wait are those Cookies original! Refined sugar free, gluten free and dairy free. Lightly sweet, grassy and fresh – full of tea and sesame flavors. If you’re a matcha fan, this is for you! Excellent with ice cream for dessert or on its own to let the tea flavors shine. Yield: 1 9″ tart.

For the crust:

Panna Cotta:
1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup full-fat coconut milk, divided
1.5 tbsp vanilla bean paste
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup maple
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt
1.5 tbsp matcha powder
melted coconut butter (just a few tbsp needed – use more for serving if desired)

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the coconut milk. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Pour the remaining 1.5 cups of coconut milk into a small saucepan. Add vanilla, mint extract, maple, salt, and matcha powder into it. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently. Remove from the heat (blend if necessary with an immersion blender if you have a few matcha blobs). Add the gelatin mixture and stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Drop melted coconut butter onto the surface of the tart and swirl with a knife or a toothpick. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast the next morning :)

fullsizeoutput_2706

August 18, 2019August 19, 2019

Foods for Fogust

fullsizeoutput_26b6

Hi blog friends! (autcorrect somehow tried to change that to bog friends – no, not quite what I was going for…)

fullsizeoutput_26a8

I have another panna cotta for you today – I know, I know, you’re shocked.

fullsizeoutput_269e

But this one has black sesame in it! Otherwise known as my new favorite ingredient. It’s a fascinating flavor; I actually like it so much more than tahini, which is rather odd given that they’re essentially the same thing. Anyway, I bought this giant thing of black sesame a while back and then my summer exploded with moving, job change, etc, and I just never got around to using them till now. C and I both loved this – I brought this (and the fave cookies, ofc) to a family event of his, and it was a big hit.

fullsizeoutput_26a2

The nuttiness of the toasted sesame plays really well against vanilla and coconut (okay, what DOESN’T play well with vanilla and coconut?!). You can bet you’ll be seeing at least one other black sesame thing on here in a few weeks – I have an idea that I’m dying to try; I wonder if I can make it come out like it currently looks in my head? We shall see.

fullsizeoutput_26ae

I can’t believe it’s getting close to the end of August. My summer FLEW by… between getting a new job, moving and camp, it’s hard to believe it’s nearly Labor Day. I love fall though, so I’m not upset about it. Despite a heat wave last week, we’ve also been graced with some typical Fogust weather, which I adore – I love how ephemeral and Tolkienesque the fog looks, especially on the beach. This was taken down at Fort Funston on a foggy Saturday morning, probably around 10:30a or so. Foggy beach walks are one of my absolute favorite things.

E6053538-7327-4A62-B9E6-8450A5FE804B

I keep buying myself these absurdly large gladiolus bouquets at the market because they’re only $5 and they last for a week… and bring me such joy! I am a huge advocate of buying flowers for yourself. I’m sure it’s quite comical watching me walk home with these bobbing way over my head, while I shlep a giant bag of groceries… but you know what? I’m worth it :)

fullsizeoutput_2694

Happy Sunday! I hope your week ahead is smooth sailing.

fullsizeoutput_26a3

Vanilla Bean & Coconut Panna Cotta Tart on a Black Sesame Crust

Gluten free, refined sugar free, and dairy free! A Wait are those Cookies original. Black sesame and vanilla pair very well together. This tart is lightly sweet, just like everything I make. I fed it to a crowd tonight & everyone went back for more, so it seems to be a hit across varied palettes! Yield: 1 9″ tart, serves several.

fullsizeoutput_269d

For the crust:

Panna Cotta:
1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
Scant 1/4 cup maple
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 c water, cold

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cold water. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan. Add maple, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently. Remove from heat, and whisk in the gelatin mixture. Stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Top with strawberries, etc.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast the next morning :)

fullsizeoutput_26a6

fullsizeoutput_26ae

July 28, 2019August 5, 2019

15 mi, 4000′ & 680 stairs: I’ve earned some tart

fullsizeoutput_2669

Hi friends!

fullsizeoutput_265c

Holy cow, C and I hiked 15 miles yesterday with over 4000′ of elevation gain! We did out and back on the Dipsea trail in less than 3 hours both ways (this may or may not have been dubbed the ‘Hayley Scott Beast Mode” speed, NOT by me hahaha sorry not sorry) – had lunch in Stinson & then dinner in Mill Valley when we got back. Never have nachos tasted so good!

You can see the teeny tiny skyline in this one, and Sutro tower!

Gettin’ after some lunch:

It goes without saying that I feel quite accomplished and also tired. I did arms at the gym today and left squats out of it, haha! According to a quick google, the Dipsea has 680 stairs. My quads and glutes believe it!

fullsizeoutput_265b

fullsizeoutput_2656

Anyway – it was extremely satisfying to come back home to this tart! We both loved it – arguably I think this is one of my favorite things that I’ve made in the last six months or so. Maybe even 9 months. I LOVE fennel. I’m currently sitting here munching on sliced raw fennel as I type… it makes a great snack with cheese (Humboldt fog, yesss)

fullsizeoutput_2661

It’s lightly sweet, like everything I make – we had it with ice cream for dessert (delicious) and on its own for breakfast (also delicious). It’s also a great make-ahead, since it’s best when it sets up in the fridge overnight.

Definitely fennelicious, as C put it! Not for the faint of fennel-loving heart, that is for sure. If you love munching on raw fennel, this is totally for you. Fennel and almond are a match made in heaven – the crust is nicely textured with cornmeal & very almondy.

fullsizeoutput_2659

Happy trails! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

fullsizeoutput_2662

Fennel Panna Cotta on an Almond Cornmeal Crust

Gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. Fennelicious! This is a tart for those who LOOOOVE fennel & almond. Lightly sweet; perfect for dessert with ice cream or breakfast on its own. Yield: 1 9″ tart, serves several. A Wait are those Cookies original.

fullsizeoutput_266d

For the crust:

1.5 c almond flour
1/3c unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3c cornmeal
heaping 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
6 tbsp coconut oil, melted

In a large bowl, stir together almond flour, shredded coconut, cornmeal, sea salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, almond extract, maple, and melted coconut oil, and stir until completely combined. The dough will look crumbly, but you’ll be able to press it together with your fingers.
Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease a 9″ tart pan (w/ removable bottom) with coconut oil. Press the crust into the plate and up the sides with a spoon or your fingers, creating a smooth edge (or not, your call!). Poke the bottom with a fork a few times, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

Panna Cotta:
1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp fennel seeds, toasted*
4ish 1” pieces of fresh fennel bulb
zest of one lemon
juice of half a lemon
1.5 tbsp vanilla bean paste
Scant 1/4 cup maple
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 c water, cold

*toast until fragrant – I did it in a small sauté pan

Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan. Add fennel (seeds + fresh), maple, lemon zest, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently. Remove from the heat and cover to steep for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cold water. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Strain the coconut milk mixture. Pour it back into the saucepan and add lemon juice. Bring it back to a simmer. Remove from heat, and whisk in the gelatin mixture. Stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Top with strawberries, etc.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast the next morning :)

fullsizeoutput_265e

July 20, 2019

New kitchen baking adventures

fullsizeoutput_25f7

HELLO!!

fullsizeoutput_260c

It’s been awhile, huh. I think it’s been almost exactly a month since I posted anything, and jeez what a month! All good things – moved into my darling little apartment (gah I love it SO much), got a little more settled in at work and then promptly left for an amaaaaazing session at camp.

fullsizeoutput_2605

Camp was spectacular as always! So much love and laughter, despite a water line that wouldn’t cooperate (our shit is OLD). Two Sentinels is such an incredible place. It’s hard to explain how special it is to someone who’s never been there, but the group of women that make up my camp fam are just some of the most inspiring, incredible and strong women I know.

fullsizeoutput_25e2

B66A5A23-4B6E-4A80-BEF5-32C9BBED061B

6EC5F16E-F019-404C-8406-0840A4267A5F

I am finally home and settled into my apartment – came back to no internet and no gas to my range but I have both things now, yay! It feels so great to be baking again – this new kitchen is hugely floating my boat. Tons of counter space, and the natural light is off the hook amazing.

First thing out of the oven was a batch of my go-to cookies – I can’t think of anything else I’d rather make to break in the oven. C and I love them, and I wanted to test the heat of my oven with a tried and true.

fullsizeoutput_260b

For date night though, I wanted to get back into my usual groove! Opted for a super easy-to-throw-together galette – I’d picked up a bunch of peaches at the market a few days earlier and they were absolutely perfect. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs to put in desserts, so of course that made a showing. This is delicious with ice cream for dessert, but also great for breakfast – it’s really not very sweet except for the natural sweetness of the peaches, so go crazy! Snacks, breakfast, dessert? Sure, why not.

fullsizeoutput_2600

C and I took a nice hike yday up our usual Twin Peaks route and back down again for a board game… Life is beautiful.

Happy weekend! If you’re in SF, hit me up – let’s hang out & bake!

fullsizeoutput_25fd

Peach, Rosemary & Lime Galette

Gluten & grain free (paleo if you eat butter) + refined sugar free! Super easy summer dessert that doubles for breakfast & snacks. Barely needs any sweetener if you can get super sweet peaches! A Wait are those Cookies Original. Yield: 1 galette, serves several (or two very hungry post-hike people with a small amount of leftovers ;)

For the galette dough:

1.5 c almond flour (not meal; you want the finer flour variety)
1/2 c tapioca flour
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
6 tbsp salted butter, chopped (or ghee)
1 egg*
1 tbsp vanilla extract

*alternately you can use a flax egg with very similar results (3tbsp water + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed)

In a food processor or high-power blender (I used a food processor), pulse almond flour, tapioca starch, salt, and butter to combine until it looks like coarse meal. Add in egg and vanilla extract and pulse just until combined. Turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape into a disk and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

3 peaches, sliced
Zest + juice of two limes
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 sprigs of rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp tapioca flour

Toss everything together and let sit for about 15 minutes, then drain the juice off before using.

Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, keeping the circle to about 1/4″ thickness. Peel off the top piece of parchment, and slide the rolled out dough on its parchment onto a baking sheet. Top with peaches in the center, leaving a border of dough around the edges. Begin folding up the sides, creasing them together as you go – if the dough rips, that’s okay (you can crimp the cracks back together; remember: galettes are forgiving and rustic!); you can use the bottom piece of parchment to help fold up the sides.

Dot the peaches with butter and sprinkle dough with a little coconut sugar. Press the sides with sliced almonds if you want! Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden brown — mine came out just fine at 35 minutes, so check accordingly.

fullsizeoutput_2608