It’s a little warm today. 102 degrees F. Not cool. (Pun intended.)
I needed a little coffee break today before I even started with work. No reason why, just kinda felt like it.
You could also invite over your best girlfriend, or let the kids take a nap or play in the sprinkler while you sit in the shade and have a sip… Take a moment for yourself today.
Since summer is apparently here, Iced Coffee seems like a good plan. I make mine without ice, so it doesn’t get watered down. It just takes a tiny bit of planning ahead (or accidentally making extra coffee in the morning and letting it chill in the fridge until you’re ready for a treat in the afternoon).
All you’ll need are coffee beans, a place to brew them, and something sweet and maybe creamy to stir in. I think French vanilla ice cream would be a yummy idea but, I’m just as happy with milk and sugar. My Mom suggested maple syrup as a nice option. That’s the way I’m taking it today along with a splash of vanilla extract and some milk. I like the idea of adding some caramel sauce. And, hey, if you like bourbon, you could add a smidge of that too… The possibilities are pretty limitless.
sugar (or maple syrup, simple syrup, honey) (optional, for serving)
vanilla extract (optional, for serving)
caramel sauce (optional, for serving)
vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
(Instructions are for French Press - you can also use a regular coffee maker and make it like you normally would.) One minute after water comes to a boil, pour over beans. Stir and let stand for 4-5 minutes.
Gently depress plunger. Pour coffee into a pitcher. If using any sort of granulated sugar, stir in (this is optional - it will dissolve in the hot coffee better than when it's cold). Refrigerate until cold.
I love to cook. That’s not a secret. I’m better at it than some, much worse than others. I fail and I succeed.
I made some Fish Tacos the other week. They were a definite fail. But, today, my friends, was a good cooking day because of a little thing called Tart (it might actually be more of a dessert pizza, but I like the word tart, so that’s what I’m calling it).
It surprised me with it’s deliciousness. I love surprises. But, usually culinary ones are more along the lines of “Wow! That’s really gross,” or “Darn, the pan with the sauce for today’s main dish fell on the floor”… You know what I mean?
But this tart, this little Strawberry-Balsamic Tart, is the good kind of surprise.
Strawberries get all melty and soft when they’re roasted. Reduced balsamic vinegar is syrupy and thick. Pizza crust is thin and crispy. Walnuts are slightly toasted and crunchy. Onions are caramely and sweet. And, maybe the most surprising ingredient, black pepper, adds just the right tiny kick of spice.
Be still my heart.
I can’t stop thinking about this tart.
It was love at first bite.
I ate this on its own for lunch… and had a hard time not eating the entire thing by myself. However, should you want to share, I think it would be great alongside a Spinach Salad topped with Shredded Chicken (use leftover Roasted Chicken), Walnuts, and Strawberries. It could be a brunch food – how about with the Spring Frittata I made a few weeks ago?! Or maybe serve it as an appetizer? Why not?! You could also also also serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and call it dessert.
1 pint strawberries, hulled, and quartered lengthwise
pinch nutmeg
1-2 medium onions, sliced
2 T honey
pinch salt
1/2 C balsamic vinegar
1 pizza crust
1/4 C coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1/4 C raw walnuts, coarsely chopped
pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 425F. Melt butter.
In a hot, dry skillet, add onions, honey, and salt. Cook over medium-low for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally.
While onions cook, in a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until thickened and syrupy, about 12-18 minutes (being careful not to let it burn).
Meanwhile, roll out pizza crust. Par bake for 5 minutes.
Toss strawberries with 1/2 T melted butter and nutmeg.
Brush crust with 1/2 T melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar and press into crust slightly (with a spatula or fingers). Top with onions, walnuts, strawberries, and black pepper. Bake for 7-9 minutes (or according to your pizza dough's recipe instructions), or until crust is done.
Let stand for a few minutes.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. If you can wait that long, serve at room temperature. If not, I totally understand. 😉
