Fruit Tart

Decided one day to shake things up a bit and make something less cake-like.  And thus the fruit tart was born.  Hope you enjoy!

Crust:
-1 box (ish) of crumbled Nilla Wafers
-1 stick of butter (1/2 cup), melted
-1/8 cup of sugar
-dash of cinnamon

Mix all crust ingredients with fork and press firmly into a tart pan, forming a firm bottom and sides for the tart.  Bake for 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven, until you can smell it and its golden brown.  Set aside to cool, or pop it in the fridge or freezer to move things along faster..

In the mean time...

Topping:
-8 oz package of Neufantel cream cheese (it's less fat but tastes the same)
-1/4 cup low fat sour cream
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/4 cup of sugar (or to taste)
-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whisked to "whipping cream" consistency
-Fresh fruit, cut into smaller pieces to display on tart.  I used strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, and bananas.

Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar together to a smooth consistency.  Fold in the whipping cream into the mixture using a spatula.

Spread the topping over the cooled tart and arrange fruit as desired.  Best if served immediately, but if not, sprinkle some lemon juice over fruit before arranging fruit over the tart - this helps the fruit (especially bananas) not brown with time.  Keep refrigerated.  Enjoy!

Unexpected beginnings...

I love a lot of things: my husband, my family, my job as a nurse, my crazy-insane-but-really-cute puppy, spending time outdoors, getting together with friends.......but a huge one is......baking! I could have the most stressful day and when it comes down to it, baking sounds like the best thing to do. I don't know why I am wired the way I am, but baking relieves the tension that builds with doing errands or dealing with a crazy puppy or coming home from a sad and high-stress day of work at the hospital. Something about taking ingredients that taste awful by themselves (well, except sugar!.....and maybe butter - hehe), and making something wonderfully tasty, is just so appealing.



Anyhoo, I guess that's what's brought me to this blog. Personally, I've never been a fan of blogs. I've never thought I was witty enough, crafty enough, original enough, or (insert any word) enough, but I've come to realize that.....who cares! I am amazed that some people look at the things I bake and are like..."dude, I could never do this." And I just want to say, "dude, you totally can!" Hence, the blog! With a way way...w a y...future goal of opening up my own bakery, I thought this may be a fun place to start with made-up and family recipes to share. So here goes!