Rustic Tomato Tarts

These tarts are addictive! We were first treated to these tarts by our good friends Rachel and Stu who always impress us with super yummy vegetarian dishes. This is yet another recipe from the "White Water Cooks - At Home" by Shelley Adams so you will have to borrow or purchase the recipe book to try out this recipe. I will however reveal that this recipe includes tomatoes, goat cheese, fresh basil and Parmesan on a tart that is by no means healthy - consisting largely of butter, sour cream, flour and cornmeal for an added crunch factor. But oh so yummy!

I highly recommend this recipe if you are looking for an impressive but easy appetizer or paired with a mixed green salad and a chilled glass of your favorite white wine! Now that asparagus is coming into season I am committed to trying this tart with asparagus and fontina as recommended by Shelley.

Winter Chestnut Stew

This one is for you Frank!

I finally got around to making this recipe. I have been eying it up for quite some time. I have never found vegetable stews to be very gratifying but this one intrigued me because I figured the chestnuts would be the missing ingredient. Turns out I was right! I am happy to report that my first experience with chestnuts has been a positive one. They have a really nice texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly complements root vegetables.

Next time I make this stew however I intend to pump up the vegetables and flavor by adding some parsnips, turnips, carrots, celery and perhaps a splash of Worcestershire or at the very least soy sauce to pump up the umami flavor. The addition of the roasted garlic is a must.