
So how does this tie to my decision to have a fresh fruit tart for breakfast?
Well, I am not an emotional eater. In times of stress, anger, or anxiety I am incapable of swallowing without choking. Even drinking water becomes difficult. I know that not eating will not help me deal with the possible challenges that I will be facing in the next few days.
I knew that the only way that I would be distracted enough to eat a good breakfast would be if I made something that was extraordinarily good.
Something so flavorful and visually majestic that it would nourish my
body and sustain my soul.
When I entered the kitchen I discovered the perfect inspiration. In the
middle of the kitchen table was a brand new set of three differently sized
spring form pans. I found them on sale a while ago and decided I would
appreciate having more sizes to choose from than just the one my mother gave me when we were married 30 years ago.
For the base I made a simple creation that was a cross between a thick crepe and a thin sponge cake. I simply pureed a banana with a splash of sugar free vanilla syrup, 1/4th cup egg substitute, and 1/4 cup of my homemade dry all purpose mix.
This mix is similar to Bisquick but the flavor is so much better because I control all of the ingredients. I use it to make just a few muffin, baking powder biscuits, or single serve desserts without much fuss, mess, or leftovers. It also comes in handy for several other quick and easy treats.
I baked it in a spring form pan for 10 minutes in a 375* oven. While it baked I sliced up some of my favorite fruits. I used a granny smith apple, plum,
nectarine, rainier cherries, and some frozen mixed assorted berries.
After the base was baked I layered in the fresh fruit and added the berries to the center. I then glazed it with a 1 cup of apple juice and 1 Tbl of raw honey in which I dissolved a packet of Knox gelatin.
I then returned the tart to the oven for another 10 minutes to warm and
lightly soften the fruit without cooking it as much as occurs when you bake
a pie.
I placed it in the center of platter and it looked like a beautiful spring flower. A healthy sized portion contained less than 160 calories because some of the apple juice ran out of the pan and I did not reduce the overall calorie count.
The gently warmed fruit was so comforting and soothing. The rest of the tart is in the refrigerator and will probably be a wonderful snack or dessert later this weekend.
Too bad my mom is 3000 miles away. She would have enjoyed my breakfast as much as I did. I know she will be happy that I made such a delightful dish and we will both have a reason to smile and embrace the sweet bites of life
today.