I think people could learn a lot about others by what TV shows they watch when they're alone at night. And what they eat while watching them. You see, it's like saying your favorite book was Anna Karenina when really you go home at night and read those heaving-bosom romance novels with Fabio on the cover. There's what you'd like people to believe, and then there's what is actually true.
For instance, in the interest of coming clean to you, I have to admit that I watch four shows semi-regularly. In order of how long I've been watching them, there's Grey's Anatomy (since the show debuted), The Secret Life of the American Teenager (the past month, trying to catch up on season 1), and Dead Like Me (watched a couple episodes, and am planning on watching more). See? Not really the most intellectually stimulating television.
And when it comes to books, while I occasionally enjoy actually thinking when I read, I tend more towards fluffy science fiction. Science fiction can be incredibly formulaic, but I find that quite comforting. I re-read series, and the longer a series is, the more I like it. Go ahead, ask how many times I've read through Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. And how angry I was that he passed away before finishing the final novel (which is now three novels!). And then how relieved I was when someone ended up ghostwriting it, allowing it to be published this! coming! fall!
So I must admit this comes around to baking as well. You see, I can talk all I want about butter (yum!) and fat (mmm), but in the end, I cheat. I scale down recipes. I make lean brioches. I eat salads and fruit like it's my job. And then I run. And swim. And kickbox. So this recipe was just perfect for me. A lean brioche, jam, and fruit on top? Win win! It sounds decadent, feels decadent, but still allows me to not pop out of my jeans. So thank you, Denise, for picking a recipe that I can feel good about. And thank you, dear readers, for not shunning me for my gauche tv and book choices. Win, win, indeed.
Last Week: Tribute to Katharine Hepburn Brownies (as the bf said, these just make me feel unhealthy when I eat them)
Next Week: Raspberry Blanc-manger
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
TWD: Brioche Plum Tart
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49 comments:
I'm with you on the cheating.. I do that too! Scaling down is so much better because you get to try more. This was actually one of the few times I actually made the full dessert.
I think your mini is really cute!
i definitely try to cut down on the sugar and butter when it comes to recipes. but that leads to less than desirable outcomes sometimes. haha. Love the mini brioche coming from you. I didn't even get a bite of mine though. *boo hoo*
Your mini brioche tart is so cute! I have to agree with you on the relief at having a relatively guilt-free treat this week.
Sooooo cute!!!
I'm in the same boat as you--I adapt all recipes into somewhat healthier (or maybe just not-as-bad-for-you?") creations. And if you saw what my daily diet was like--lots of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and whole grains. I totally get where you're coming from!
Your brioche plum tart looks fantastic. I love the mini.
What is the fourth TV show you watch?
Your tart looks absolutely incredible. Awesome job.
That is adorable! Looks totally delish.
I like to watch anything that starts off with a dead body... CSI, all of 'em; Law and Order, all of them too; Criminal Minds, The Mentalist.. I have a long list, clearly I watch too much tv.
I figure that you work hard all day at a mentally-taxing job - by the time you get home, you've earned some downtime, and you need it to refresh anyway.
Happytummy: Sorry, I didn't mention it because I didn't think it was really trashy enough - I obsessively watch NCIS. I picked it up a year or so ago, and am speeding through all the previous seasons waiting for next season to start :)
Cheating? I think not. Being realistic? Absolutely!
Cute little tart. I lean things down, too, and give a LOT away. As for the kickboxing . . . . .
I love the Wheel of Time series! I've read it twice. Your lo-cal tart looks luscious! Well done.
That tartlet is stunning! I shouldn't have taken shortcuts with mine but I was lazy this week. How long did you bake yours? Did you tent it immediately?
This looks so ridiculously awesome, I cannot even tell you.
I have the reading taste of a 50-year old, I'm quite sure. But I do have a really embarrassing love of the show So You Think You Can Dance. I can't dance, so I think that by watching people who can dance dance, I am participating on a level that allows me to reap some sort of dancing benefit. If that makes any sense whatsoever.
Great tarts...love them.
Great looking brioche. THis recipe was a blast to make! Your pictures are gorgeous!
Oh man, I can relate with you on so many things about this post. The TV? Your favorite shows are nothing compared to the crap I watch. Scaling down recipes and working out like a fiend? I feel your pain. Wheel of Time series is being finished?! I DID NOT KNOW THAT! I started reading, but never finished, and was actually going to pick it up and start reading it again. So happy days over here! The tart looks great!
Somehow I missed the fact that this brioche recipe is lighter than most, but I certainly didn't feel deprived in any way. As long as the delicious flavors are there, I'm happy.
Your mini-brioche is very pretty.
I always scale down desserts, unless we share. It is just the 2 of us so we don't need sweets galore in the house. Lovely mini dessert!
These mini tarts are precious!! :)
I also love the WoT series. Am reading it now for the second time. Keep on baking!
Leslie: I tented after 15 minutes and baked it for as long as the recipe suggested for a full-sized tart. Probably could have baked for 5 min less though, because it was a little dry.
So true! That's why I give away most of what I make. Your brioche tarts look perfect. Great color.
Love your little tart - how could that not be good for you, right?
I don't watch TV, really, but I can't say I read enlightening books either. The baking/eating healthy battle is ongoing, though. My policy of eating sweets only on the weekend has been known to crumble, too.
nice. love your post!
i'm a proud romance reader.
i eat lots of whole grains. and tons of veggies and fruits.
but, oh, the sweets tempt me every week. i'll have to take your lead on the scaling and adjusting:)
I like how your brioche is not too brown - mine was a bit brown for my liking
Your mini is soo cute!
Nice pictures!
A beautiful little brioche tart - great job!
I am a sucker for trashy TV and trashy reading material. Real Housewives of New Jersey? TiVo'd. And I might as well just go ahead and subscribe to People already. I do try to read several newspapers each day to keep my brain from completely rotting, but I don't think it's working.
Your tart looks beautiful and your picture is stunning!
The drips running down the side of that tart looks delish!!
Your little minis are gorgeous!! I try to give away most of what I make but I'm sure I still eat far more of it than I should. Oh, and I'd be embarrassed to admit to you some of the tv shows I watch :)
Don't call it cheating, call it self-preservation. I'd rather bake smaller, leaner treats than not bake at all! I was a big fan of this tart too. Great job.
Your brioche is beautifully golden and perfect looking. Mine got a wee bit dark, but I managed to get that foil on in the nick of time. Thanks for pointing out that this is really rather healthy; bread and fruit, how can that be bad for you?
Your brioche looks so pretty and delicious!
That looks fabulous! Very beautiful.
I can't ever use the whole amount of sugar given in an recipe. People comment that my desserts are not as sweet as expected and I always reply "well good so you can taste the fruit, caramle, herb, ..." Love brioche tarts of any kind but if you put a plum on there...I am knocking at your door!! Have a great time in Boulder!!
Must have had another senior moment here, really thought I'd left a comment on this one.
Healthy, I'm always looking to cut a little sugar, butter out of a recipe and most of the time it's 100% fine AND add in a little whole grains (our good King A has come out with a new flour blend that sounds like it's in order to try and of course I'm most always adding a little touch of the flax seeds.
Science fiction ... no wonder get your vibes! Several (maybe it's more than I care to count now) years ago I went back and re-read all of Asimov in order.
We're now waiting for the 2nd season of Mad Men to start arriving from NetFlix - our son got us into that one.
I'm blown away at the depth of color you got in those plums. Have any left?
There's nothing like a delicious plum tart! One of my favorite things to eat.
Grey's Anatomy not intellectual!!! Where else are you going to find out what REALLY happens in a hospital??? Love that show.
And love your mini brioche tart. Looks delish.
Your tart looks delicious :)
Is that brioche really a lean version? Could've fooled me. The tart looks like a complete win!
Oh I'm with you--my diet is more the most part super healthy and I actually posted a (gasp!) green smoothie this week! But I still love me some decadent desserts, and your tart, though scaled down, looks delicious!
Awesome, love the little tart. I'm so wishing I would have made this this week. (I went for a TWD rewind cookie). After seeing and hearing so many great reviews on this, I'm gonna do it sometime soon.
I can so relate with you. I'm also always scaling down. That way, I can try so many more recipes! Your mini versions look great though!
And you mentioned 4 shows, but gave the names of 3. Typo? Or suspense? :P
trust me, we all have our guilty tv and reading pleasures...gorgeous tart! no one would ever guess it's lean!
Great post, Caitlin! And love the minis. Your scaled down versions of the weekly recipes are always gorgeous.
I love Grey's Anatomy too! And House, and So You Think You Can Dance. The only thing is this blogging gets in the way of tv! Your brioche looks perfect to eat while watching one of these shows!
I feel like i could have a stimulating conversation about dead like me. well maybe just a long conversation, stimulating is subjective. your tarts look beautiful
Okay, I've got to get myself a mixer. I'm so jealous of your brioche-making, lean as they are!
I am always honest about my tv choices. Mine are true no-brainers-- American Idol and Top Model, hahaha! (although I watch a ton more that are more intellectual than that too :)
I just found your site via Y @ Lemonpi. Can't believe I've not come across it before. This looks great. I only just got Dorie's book and was reading this recipe last night. You are now in my reader. Look forward to seeing more of your baking!
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