Wow. That looks really pretty. You’d need to be really careful not to scorch the top, otherwise the effect would be ruined.
Spiral Tart image
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OK, Here’s a question about that tart. How on earth are you supposed to pick it up and place inside the pastry? The recipe just says use two hands. Surely you’d need something slid underneath?
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Well, she does say “You may need a second pair of hands with this. I had the help of the OH.” Also, I don’t see why you couldn’t build it up in the pastry shell itself. Sliding something underneath, though, sounds like it makes the most sense. I happen to have just the right tool . . . it’s a like a huge round flat piece of thin metal with a handle, sort of like a pancake turner, that was sold as a way to move cake layers. I don’t even remember why I thought I needed it, and I’ve never used it for moving cake layers, but I could see it for this type of thing.
As for not scorching the top, she suggests covering it with tin foil towards the end, so that should help.
I think the problem might be that the mozza/cream base might get everywhere - but I suspect that might be worth the risk, rather than spending ages windiong things round only for it all to fall apart when you tried to shift it.
I was rather coming round to this being my dish but I’m put off by the comment on the recipe that it’s quite bland. We don’t really do bland.
You could use a flavorful cheese like gruyere, and flavored cream cheese rather than sour cream. I’d add slightly blanched green leeks, or the flat, strappy leaves of green garlic, to the vegetable spiral. Maybe a savory spread like chutney or pepper jelly between the cheese and veg layers.
How about some homemade ravioli or a savory mille-feuille? I also second the idea of a lasagna, esp. if you can make it with fresh pasta. I am assuming that cheese is OK…
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OK, got another one ; it just showed up on my Pinterest page. I think it looks more impressive, yet easier to construct.
Maybe the best technique is to create a flat veg spiral horizontally on a chopping board and use a cocktail stick to secure the loose ends as you work (assuming more than one loose end as it gets wider).
Once at the required diameter use a fish slice to lift it into the pastry case and whip out the cocktail sticks as you lower it into the case.
The recipe does sound a little bland unless the veggies are really top notch and fresh - I would definitely mix up the cheeses a bit but always wise to ensure the cheeses are veto friendly as most are not.
Both this and the previous one strike me as Editorial in the Project Runway sense of the word rather than really delicious. And like Remy’s ratatouille a fucking shitload of work. If it’s going to be that much work I’d go with ravioli or lasagne or tamales, all of which seem more like main dishes. Like actual food rather than food porn.
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Root vegetable pot pie with cream sauce and fresh thyme.
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If I really wanted to impress I might go with a veg timbale ala Big Night.
Otherwise I would be tempted to do something like the Surprise Tartin or Yogurt Flatbreads with Barley and Mushrooms from Plenty.
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So, Harters, I’m trying to distract myself from the political news in the U.S. What did you end up making?
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Hey bear.
If you’re trying to distract yourself from the political nonsense in which both our countries find themselves, then what you need is lots of meat - something to chew on, not an effete celebratory veggie meal.
In the event, the need for the requested veggie dish didnt arise but I’ve filed this thread away for when it resurrects itself.
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And lots of strong fermented beverages!
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Perhaps employed in toasting the judiciary (*)
I see that one of yours has come in for some criticism today. And, on this side of the Atlantic, we have recently had the right wing press describe our Supreme Court as enemies of the people, for ruling that Parliament, not the government, decides the legislative process. .
(*) I really can’t believe I’ve praised judges. Losing the revolutionary spirit in my old age.
Oh, you must be speaking of the “so-called judge” who was appointed by George W. Bush and confirmed 99-0 by the Senate and maligned because he didn’t allow our petulant child-in-chief to trash our constitution.
Yes, our two countries have much to commiserate together. But I guess I should shut up about politics now!
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