I’ve been doing a bit of soul searching these days and I’ve decided that I am going to definitely go back into the typical 9 – 5 workforce….. at least part time. Lately, my life’s been nothing but working in the kitchen, working on the computer, and a bit of playtime with my daughter. When I’m not doing that, I am grocery shopping or binging on Netflix (seriously, you don’t wan to know how long it takes me to go through an entire series). There is very little human interaction beyond my toddler and the person at the checkout line. I need more grown up conversation in my life!
The problem is that a lot (okay, all) my friends live out of the state and we never really get a chance to see one another. Since Vlad isn’t going to be in the country anytime soon, I’ve even considered dating again.
Gulp.
I can’t even believe I uttered the “D” word.
I’ll let you know what I decide on both fronts. For now, let’s look at this beautiful tart. I decided to use the last of my blood orange to make a blood orange raspberry curd. Because I love curd. Like, I could live off curd if it wasn’t so high in calories. And this blood orange raspberry curd is insanely delicious. Oh, and that raspberry meringue. Oh. My. Gosh. It’s so light, airy, and has the perfect kiss of raspberry.
This tart is ridiculous.
And it a little romantic to look at. I guess I was working through my love life questions through this tart, huh?
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1½ cup flour
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups blood orange juice
- 1 cup raspberries
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup butter
- 2¼ teaspoons gelatin poweder
- ⅔ cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup, plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add in the flour and salt and mix until just combined. the mixture should clump together when you squeeze it together.
- Press the crust into the bottom and sides of the tart pan. Bake for 13 - 15 minutes or until a light golden brown. Set aside.
- In a saucepan heat the blood orange, vanilla, and raspberries on medium. muddle the raspberries to help release their juices. Heat until lightly boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and ribbony. slowly add one third of the blood orange mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly. Add another third of the juice while continuously mixing. Slowly add the egg mixture back to the saucepan and whisk constantly, until the curd begins to thicken. Thr best way to test this is by running a finger down the back of your spoon and check for a line to remain on the spoon. once it reaches this point, turn off the heat.
- Bloom the gelatin with a tablespoon of water and pour into the curd and mix well.
- Strain the curd through a fine mesh strainer. and allow to cool completely. Once the curd is cooled, pour into the prepared tart pan.
- In a small saucepan, heat the raspberries and the sugar together on medium. Break of the raspberries once the begin to release their juices. Bring to a high simmer for about two minutes, or until the raspberries have completely broken down and the juices have thickened. Strain the seeds from the syrup and set aside the syrup. Discard the seeds.
- Beat the egg whites until sock peaks form. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat. Slowly add the raspberry syrup to the egg whites, then beat the whites on medium-high until it forms stiff, glossy peaks.
- Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and pipe the meringue onto the tart. Toast the meringue with a kitchen torch.
Amanda, I hope you find a work/family balance that suits you better than what you are currently experiencing. Once you have a job outside of the home, you may find that along with adult interactions and other positives come some downsides, but I’m sure you know that (at least theoretically.) In the meantime, you’re making incredible food, taking gorgeous pictures, and most importantly, I’m sure you’re an incredible mom. I adore blood oranges and curd both – can’t wait to try at least the curd part of this fabulous tart next blood orange season. Pinned so I don’t forget:)
I do understand the downsides all too well. Before this I was working in a job I did not really like, which is why I am thinking of maybe just part time and holding out for something I do enjoy!! Thank you for all the compliments – you make me blush!
Not only are these LOVELY – they would use up the blood oranges I have growing old in my fridge drawer. Thank you so much for sharing what looks like a lovely recipe!
These look amazing! AS a mom who recently entered the 9-5 office again…it’s wonderful! You’ll love it..and love that you actually put clothes on each and everyday. (who knew that could make you feel good?)
Haha, I know what you mean, I was in the mall today and was actually pining over a gorgeous a-line black and white skirt for the office.
Wow – that tart looks absolutely amazing! And I am loving that meringue on top!! Pinned 🙂
This is gorgeous, Amanda!!! I love the colors in this tart.