I’ve had a few requests for the recipe to that beautiful lemon tart I made for last Saturday night’s dessert. And it was great.
But I can’t take full credit. The ladies responsible for that recipe are Carole Clements and Elizabeth Wolf-Cohen. The recipe is from the book they co-wrote.
French—The Secrets of Classic Cooking Made Easy.
If you should ever come across this book, buy it. Don’t hesitate. Don’t even stop to think. Just buy it. It is a fantastic cookbook–easy and foolproof and full of French homestyle recipes!
I honestly cannot say enough about this book. I’ve written about it a few times in past blog posts. It cost me all of $6.00 at Borders. Remember the book store Borders? Well, when Oona was at her Irish Dance classes in North Jersey, I would drive over to the Borders store close to Scotch Plains. There’s nothing like a book store to while away a couple of hours. Every trip brings a new adventure.
Anyway, when I started seeing Bonaparte, I thought it would be a promising idea if, perhaps, I was able to whip something up that reminded him of his home country. When I saw this book, I immediately picked it up.
Lo and behold, he started flipping through the pages shortly after my purchase and he said many of the recipes were basic old-school French home cooking.
Since then, this is my go-to book. I’m not kidding. It’s used more than my Barefoot Contessa books—and the pages have the stains to prove it.
There are some excellent dessert recipes in here too. One that I hadn’t made was the Lemon Tart or as they say in French, Tarte au Citron. I happen to love lemon. It’s just a refreshing taste—I make Lemon Curd quite often and I always have a jar of preserved lemons on hand. And so, I decided to make this lovely dessert.
The tart turned out just as beautiful as in the photos!
Here’s the recipe:
- 1 shortcrust pastry (recipe for shortcrust follows this)
- Grated rind of 2 to three lemons (I used three)
- 2/3 cup lemon juice (fresh or the kind you buy in the store—really doesn’t matter)
- ½ cup superfine sugar (I used regular sugar and the result was fantastic)
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4 eggs plus 3 egg yolks
- Confectioner’s sugar for dusting.
- Preheat oven to 375. Roll out the pastry thinly and line a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan (I used a tart pan). Prick the base of the pastry.
- Line the pastry shell with foil and fill with baking beans (I used the ceramic kind) bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are set and dry. Remove the foil and beans and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place the lemon rind, juice and sugar in a bowl. Beat until combined then gradually add the heavy cream. (I used my KitchenAid).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time then beat in the yokes and pour the filling into the pastry shell. Place the tart on a cookie sheet and bake for about 30 minutes. The recipe in the book says 15 minutes. I’m pretty sure I had my tart in the oven for a good 40 minutes.
- Let cool, chill and dust with Confectioner’s sugar before serving. I whipped some heavy cream with a bit of Confectioner’s sugar, spooned into a pastry bag and piped little stars on the tart. Sorry, I didn’t take a pic of the decorated tart. I forgot!
Shortcrust Pastry
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (I used 1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
- 3 to 8 tbsps. iced water.
- Place the flour, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. Cut the butter in. I use a pastry blender to cut the butter in but you can use your hands or even a food processor. Whatever works for you. Cut the butter in until the texture is like fine crumbs.
- Slowly add the water mixing until a crumbly dough begins to form. Don’t overdo it or the crust will end up tough. If too dry, add water by the drop, if too wet, add a bit of flour.
- Form into an oval, wrap in plastic and chill in the fridge for about a half hour.
- After a half hour, roll the dough out to o a nice thin circle and line in the pie plate or tart pan.
This is a GREAT crust recipe. It turns out perfect! But remember, don’t over mix!
Hands down, THE best crust recipe ever. EVER!
Right out of the oven. I allowed the tart to cool down to room temperature, then lightly covered in plastic wrap and put it into the fridge until time to enjoy!
And that is the recipe. It’s easy and light and lovely!
You know how much I have fallen in love with Laura Geller’s Balance n Brighten foundation, right? Well, I’m still in love with it and I’m using it every day.
I’m using the Balance-n-Brighten Foundation every day! Here I am wearing it today! (I’m also wearing Model Model “Joy” wig)
But, I never realized that powder and baked foundations are more difficult to clean off your face because of the fine composition.
Another look at this fabulous foundation!
Hey, I would have never known about this if I hadn’t watched the vlog of Jill Lynn Beauty Therapy on Evening Skin Care Routine. She used the term “anti-aging” and if you go onto YouTube and read the comments you will see my comment on the use of “anti-aging”. Despite the fact she used “that” term, she’s got some stellar advice.
I cringe with the use of “Anti-Aging” but Jill Lynn Beauty Therapy has some good tips. Maybe I can get her to stop using “Anti-Aging”!
I like her gentle manner and she wears wigs too!
Anyway, I decided to heed her advice and after washing with my favored Vivant Skincare Mandelic Acid 3-in1 Wash I spritzed the brand’s 3% Mandelic Acid 3-in-one toner on a cotton round.
This is the toner. It doesn’t dry your face either!
Can you believe this? And I thought my skin was cleaned. It’s true, the baked foundation really does stick to your skin!
Holy Shit. I couldn’t believe the dirt that was still left in my pores. I almost ran down to the laundry room to grab the Lestoil! For my face!
I was too lazy to run upstairs and take a photo so I robbed this off the Vivant Skincare website. Read my review on Vivant Skincare Products. (Click on the name). I’m telling you, this skincare company has great, great products. The 3-in-1 wash lasts forever. You only need a bit to clean your entire face!
Instead, I went back, gave my face a second scrubbing with the Wash and repeated the toner. That second scrubbing really got all that baked-in foundation off.
After the second cleansing. I’m thinking that perhaps I should treat myself to a facial–a deep cleaning one!
Watching the vlog also made me realize that I need to be less lazy about my evening skincare routine. I’ve been exfoliating and taking extra diligent care of my skin!
Remember—if you use a mineral powder foundation or a baked foundation, make sure your skin is cleansed well!
Now on to nothing particularly special. Bonaparte doesn’t like my tying an Herme’s scarf on my purse—according to him, it was too expensive to be thrown around.
I love the way my Hermes scarf looks on the Longchamp bag. Bonaparte does not.
So, I searched for inexpensive alternatives. Through another blogger, I found out about an inexpensive web shop. Shein. There are some interesting items being sold on this site.
I would not buy clothing simply because I’ve heard the stuff runs very, very small. However, the selection of scarfs that are available is astounding.
I purchased this cute scarf and…
It’s on my other Longchamp bag. OMG!! I just noticed the blanket on the sofa! I’m a bad blogging photographer. I should have taken the blanket off the sofa but it’s raining and Chippy would make the sofa dirty!
Chippy’s got the rhythm!
At an average price of $5.00 for the scarfs, it is an excellent buy. Especially if you are planning to wear a scarf as a handbag accessory or a thin scarf as a wrap bracelet.
Shein’s five dollar version of the Twilly scarf…
Which I purchased and wear as a wrap bracelet. I’m diggin’ this look. I must buy more!
And guess what else Shein sells? Sandals that look like a very famous and unattainable French brand that begins with the letter “H”—hint, I have an expensive scarf from the brand and Bonaparte doesn’t want me using it as an embellishment on my purse!
Yes. These are from Shein
Too bad they don’t come in narrow widths!
Yeah. $25, as opposed to over $600. They are a bit on the wide side, but I plan on hot gluing some foam on the inside of the straps to make the fit narrower. They look fine!
Well, that’s a whole lot of stuff tonight! Go get some lemons and make a tart!
Oh. I also got some new music. My man Laurent Voulzy released his Belem CD last week. It’s very Brazilian-inspired. Here’s some Spirit of Samba for you!
That lemon tart looks very delicious! My mouth is for real watering rn haha
Courtney!!!! It is so yummy!! I think you should try your hand at baking it!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
In going to have to!!!!!
Grabbed a copy of the book on Amazon; I might cook someday, who knows? 😉
i always enjoy your blog. Wishing you many happy returns on your marriage. He’s a prince!
Hi Christine. And if and when you do cook, you will be glad you have that book!! It’s got great pics too and handy tips at the back of the book!! Thank you so much for your good wishes!!!! OXOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations and best wishes on your marriage Catherine, what great news, you both look so happy! I love the article you wrote for French Entree, it’s so charming! A good sense of humor goes a long way in life and can make all the difference. Thanks for the lemon tarte recipe, it sounds delicious and I’ll be sure to try it soon!
Hi Margaret! Thank you for the wishes!!!! LOL. Yes. That article for French Entree was a pleasure to write because of the memories it brings!! Let me know how that tart turns out!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Thanks for posting the recipe Catherine, I am going to try it out, I got plenty of lemons!!!
Hi D!!! Oh. You have to try it out with all those lemons you have. I hope you like the tart!!!!! XXOXOXO!!!!
I checked out Shein…it’s sort of sketchy site, a lot of photos appear to be copies from original sites and the reviews for the store are not favorable in total. I wouldn’t trust my cc with them
Hi Bonnie, All comments are welcomed here. I never realized that Shein used photos from other sites. I’m going to go back to check. I do know that there are quite a bit of negative reviews on the clothing and that’s one reason I only buy online from stores I’m familiar with. However, for the price point of the scarfs and accessories, it seems ok. I’ve ordered and haven’t had an issue. Yet–but well see–right? XOXOXOXOXO
Congratulations Catherine on your marriage to your Frenchman!! WIshing you both many years of happiness! I love your blog and enjoy reading it from far away Australia!
Thank you Robin!!! Thank you for your good wishes and I’m glad that are enjoying these posts. You lucky person–getting ready for summer as we get ready for the cooler weather!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Those scarves are a brilliant price and I love the Hermes rip offs…très elegant.
I’d love it if you could share the rillettes recipe as well sometime? I’m no cook but it looks like something I could manage. Xxx
Hi Fiona! I linked the recipe in this post: MY POST WITH LEMON CURD AND SALMON RILLETTES LINK The difference between Ripert’s recipe and mine is that I add fresh dill. I think it makes a huge difference and adds some depth to the recipe. Hope you like it!! XOXOXOXO
Thanks so much Cathe! Xx
I thought Hermes scarves were SUPPOSED to be tied to bags?
Q. Yeah. That’s my train of thought too. Apparently, others think it belongs tied around the neck!! OXOXOXOXOXO!!!!!
Thank you so much for all your great posts! I love the way you speak “your truth” along with your GREAT STYLE!!!. I just ordered this cookbook from Amazon and am looking forward to making some wonderful French meals!. Also, congratulations to Bonaparte and you on making it official!
Hi Pat. I swear you will love that book. It’s very simplistic and nothing is complicated. The souffle recipe is fantastic as well. It’s a wonderful, wonderful book!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I can’t remember if I’ve commented before (I’m 63 and hella brain-challenged!), but I’ve been reading your blog for a few months and it’s so fun and it’s so great reading stuff from someone my age. Love! I’m checking out the scarves on Shein right now. So cute and I love the wrist idea. xxoo
Hi Deborah! Thank you. I”m glad that you are enjoying the sage wisdumb of this old broad here!!!! Yeah. Those scarves rock!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
What a wonderful post! You make everything sound so delicious, I sure want to try the receipe. Congratulations on your marriage too! Thanks for all the work you put in to each post, they really make my day.
Laura
Hi Laura! Thank you so much for your kind words!! And thanks for the congrats!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
The tart looks delicious! I will have to give it a try. Thank you!
Hi Teril. Oh. You will love it. I guarantee!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
The lemon tart looks scrumptious. Lemon desserts are also a favorite. I have a board in another website I won’t name here…all on lemony desserts. 🙂 I lost a pretty scarf once tied to my purse. Not very expensive but was amazed that I didn’t notice when it came loose. Love the scarf bracelet…very pretty!
Hi Amelia. Oh. Please share the link about your favorite lemony desserts. Is it Pinterest? I have boards there but I’m lazy. Social media is hard to keep up with!!! LOL–I double-tie those scarfs!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
HEY! Love your recent posts – well, loved your un-recent posts, too. Always a good day when I see “Atypical 60” in my inbox.
Here’s a website you might find interesting because it address makeup, fashion, and women of all ages, abilities and persuasions. It’s from England. https://www.the-pool DOT com
Oh, one other thing: is Catherine your first of middle name? Why do I ask? U mentioned, as Madame Bonaparte, changing your name, and I wanted to let you know that in a few years when you are applying for Medicare, you will henceforth be known as whatever name is first on your Social Security card. For example, if your name is Mary Catherine Madame Bonaparte, you will be known and called MARY by all people who have anything to do with your health care. Wish I had known this pre-Medicare (which is great, by the way) days. It costs several hundred dollars and a lot of work, to change Social Security name now.
xxoo Carolyn (also known as Mary by some people)
Carolyn/Mary! Thank you for the heads up on the Medicare. My first name is Catherine. I’ll be sure to go through the proper procedures when the time soon comes!!! OMG. The Pool!!! I went on the site. It’s great and they had me at the school uniform article. You know I’m a sucker for plaid skirts, blazers and loafers!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!