Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Lime Tart with Berries


I found this recipe on Epicurious.com. It was originally printed in the June 2010 Bon Appetit Magazine. I substituted the blackberries for raspberries and the blackberry jam for raspberry jam. Delicious! 


A press-in crust makes this party-worthy dessert easy to put together. For a pretty presentation, don't cover the lime curd completely with berries. The contrast between the dark berries and the bright lime curd is striking.
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings


Ingredients


Lime curd:
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

Topping:
2 6-ounce containers fresh blackberries
1 6-ounce container fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon blackberry jam

Crust:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 large pinch of salt

For lime curd:
Set fine metal strainer over medium bowl and set aside. Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in another medium metal bowl to blend. Whisk in lime juice. Set bowl over large saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until curd thickens and instant-read thermometer inserted into curd registers 178°F to 180°F, about 6 minutes. Immediately pour curd through prepared strainer set over bowl. Add butter to warm strained curd; let stand 1 minute, then whisk until blended and smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd, covering completely. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Lime curd can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For crust:
Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in medium bowl until well blended, 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg yolk; beat to blend. Add flour and salt and mix on low speed until mixture resembles large peas. Using hands, knead in bowl just until dough comes together.
Transfer dough to 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Break dough into pieces, then press dough evenly up sides and onto bottom of pan. Cover and chill 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover crust and bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack.

For topping:
Remove sides from tart pan and place crust on plate. Spread lime curd evenly in baked crust. Arrange blackberries in 2 concentric circles just inside edge of tart. Mound blueberries in center of tart. Place jam in small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave until jam is melted, about 15 seconds. Whisk to loosen and blend, adding water by teaspoonfuls if thick. Brush jam over berries. DO AHEAD: Tart can be made up to 8 hours ahead. Chill uncovered.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

June Events


Here are area events happening now through the end of the month:
20-24 Wednesday-Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm. The newly formed Fitchburg Theater Company presents Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost. Outdoors on the beautiful campus quadrangle of Fitchburg State University. Admission will be donation-based, “Pay What You Can.”  Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair.  Parking is available in any lot on campus. For more information, visit www.fitchburgtheater.org.
21 Thursday 6:30pm. Strawberries and Champagne and Concord Band Kick-off. Sip champagne and linger at Fruitlands on the longest day of the year at this free Members-only summer kick-off at the tent. Stay a while to enjoy the Concord Band's first concert of the season, Music for the Solstice, starting at 7:15. RSVP to kcastorano@fruitlands.org or 978.456.3924 x289.  For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.
21 Thursday 7:15pm. Summer Concert Series with The Concord Band. Join Fruitlands for the 27th year of the Concord Band! Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from The Harvard Lions Club. Perch on the hillside for a concert of classic Americana music and spectacular sunsets. Admission is per car: $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers. Gates open for your picnicking pleasure at 5:30. No rain dates. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.
22-24 Friday-Saturday 8pm Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount. Father of the Bride. You are cordially invited to a June wedding at TAM. This hilarious comedy is about a father who is overwhelmed by all of the turmoil – not to mention finances – caused by his daughter's out of control wedding. Wedding planners, florists, dress makers and pretty much everyone and everything that goes with a wedding invade his home as the wedding plans get bigger and more outrageous by the day! $20 ($15 matinee) $10 children. mwcc.edu/tam/shows/
22 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. Live entertainment at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy Hill, Westminster. History teacher Keith McLinden revives folk/rock classics by Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and many more along with contemporary songs and jazzy/bluesy/flamenco instrumentals on acoustic guitar.
22-24 Friday-Sunday. Zoar Outdoor DemoFest. Co -Sponsored by The Outfitters Shop at Zoar Outdoor and the Paddling School at Zoar Outdoor, this event is an opportunity to try out boats and gear on the river. The weekend is full of mini-classes and gear demos on the Deerfield River for beginner to advanced paddlers. Contact greg@zoaroutdoor.com for information and registration. 
22 Friday 5pm. Blacksmith demonstration at Westminster Farmer's Market Academy Hill Road Westminster. For more information visit www.WestminsterFarmersMarket.com.
22 Friday 8pm. The Flatlanders. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA
23 Saturday. GoBig Training Day Jumptown Orange, MA. GoBig Training Day.  These days will be "team for a day" events to improve big way skydiving skills.  Day will consist of safety talk, more extensive than usual dirt dives, and video debriefs, plan on making 5 skydives for the day.  This is not a walk-up event, you must pre-arrange your participation.  Email gobig@jumptown.com for more info.
23 Saturday 8am-10:30am. Solstice Party 2012 Beer Breakfast at the Gardner Ale House. $11 Breakfast Buffet and 12 oz. beer. First 75 guests receive a Beer Breakfast Commemorative 12 oz. glass. Plus a performance by Millers River Morris Men at 9am. For more information, visit www.gardnerale.com.
23 Saturday 9am-noon. Rose Ledge Photo Hike with Beth Reynolds.  The striking, rocky ledges, blooming mountain laurel and a visit to a porcupine den will provide plenty of photographic opportunities for hikers exploring one of the most scenic places on Northfield Mountain. Photographer and teacher Beth Reynolds will coach participants on shooting quality images while packing light, so bring only one camera, a light weight tripod and one or two lenses. The group’s focus will be on learning to pay attention, reading the light and sharing in the observations of other group members to create better photos. Northfield Naturalist Beth Bazler will share information on mountain laurel, rocky ledges and the other plants and animals, who love this beautiful habitat. Wear a hat, long pants and sleeves and bring bug repellant, so we can take time and shoot comfortably. There is a fee of $10 per person and the event is for ages 12 and older. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-859-2960.
23-24  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am–3 pm. Carnival Weekend at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Tackle an inflatable obstacle course, test your luck at carnival games, noodle blast a farmer, and enjoy crafts for kids of all ages. There’s Popcorn, sno-cones, and so much more! It’s fun, fun, fun at farmland. Call 978-422-MOOO. www.davisfarmland.com/farmland/farm_calendar.html..
23 Saturday 10am-noon. Open House at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. According to author Lewis Carroll, “it’s always teatime!”  At the Gardner Museum, we have taken Carroll’s quotation to heart and are presenting “Tea and Comfort.” The exhibit will highlight antique and vintage tea pots, tea cups and tea accessories and hand-made antique quilts.  Local quilters will be on hand to demonstrate their skills.  Also, walking Tours of the Gardner Uptown Historic District. Tours begin outside the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Free.
23 Saturday 10am-3pm. Community Art Experiences with Andy Moerlien at the Fruitlands Museum. Free with Admission. Join in the creative process with Artist-in-Residence Andy Moerlein. This is an outdoor event. Heavy rain or risk of lightning cancels. Visit fruitlands.org/events/DIYArt for more information.
23 Saturday, 11:30 am–2:30 pm. Old-fashioned picnic on Templeton Common, Routes 2A and 101, Templeton. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a summer’s day in a picturesque setting. Part of Templeton’s 250th anniversary celebration, the day will include kids’ games, entertainment and more. For details visit www.templeton250.com.
23 Saturday, 1 pm. Civil War Encampment demonstrations at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. For details visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.
23 Saturday, 1–5 pm. Summer Stroll in downtown Leominster. Come “stroll” down memory lane as we celebrate the Leominster of decades past. Parade, classic cars, music, food, sidewalk sales. Visit www.leominsterevents.com.
23 Saturday, noon–2 pm. Tea Party (afternoon social) at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. A tea party social will feature beverages, finger sandwiches and desserts. There will be live music. Adults $6, Children $3.00. Call 978-632-3277.
23 Saturday 8pm. Heather Maloney, The Rafters, Elizabeth Lorrey. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.
24 Sunday. The 106th KESAJUHLA (Summer Festival) sponsored by the Finnish Center at Saima Park and the Raivaaja Foundation will be held at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, off Ashby State Road, Route 31. For information call Maija at 978-582-7717 or email mailis1@aol.com. For more information, visit www.saima-park.org.
24 Sunday. Groton Greenway River Festival. The Groton Greenway Committee is bringing back this FREE EVENT celebrating the Nashua River! Everyone is welcome! Includes free canoeing, live music, children's activities, environmental exhibits, and the famous cardboard canoe race! 
24 Sunday, 9 am–5 pm. Rose Show at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston.  Call 508-869-6111 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.
24 Sunday 12pm-5pm. Old Fashioned Lancaster Community Day  at the Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road, Lancaster. The following artists will be performing: 12pm-1pm Perry Desmond-Davies, 1:15pm-2:30pm Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli, 2:45pm-3:45pm The Rafters, 4pm-5pm Kim Jennings.
24 Sunday, 1-3 pm. Opening Reception for the 77th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Call 978-345-4207 or visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.
25 Monday 6:30pm. Summer Kick-off with Ellen Allard at the Fitchburg Public Library. Join FPL for a musical evening with Ellen Allard as we begin our special activities for the summer in the Garden Room of the Youth Library.  This program is free and open to all who love to sing and move to music!  No registration is required. For more 27 Wednesday 2-6pm. Stanley Park Fitchburg. Fitchburg Parks Week. Get Up, Get Out, Let's Move. Percussion Deminstration, Riverfront Children's Theater, Bocce Clinic, Zumba, etc. Free to the public. For more information, go to www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us or call (978) 829-1818.
27-30 Wednesday-Saturday 7pm. The newly formed Fitchburg Theater Company presents Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost. Outdoors on the beautiful campus quadrangle of Fitchburg State University. Admission will be donation-based, “Pay What You Can.”  Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair.  Parking is available in any lot on campus. For more information, visit www.fitchburgtheater.org.
28 Thursday 11am. Summer Storytime: Legend of the Raven. Free with Admission. Near this time of the summer solstice, come learn about the Native American Legend of the Raven, and discover how the raven stole the sun. This family program will be held by Fruitlands Early Education teacher, Larissa Fagundes. A craft will also be available - all materials will be provided. Limited to 30 children. RSVP requested. EMail education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.
28 Thursday 7:15pm. Summer Concert Series with The Concord Band. Join Fruitlands for the 27th year of the Concord Band! Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from The Harvard Lions Club. Perch on the hillside for a concert of classic Americana music and spectacular sunsets. Admission is per car: $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers. Gates open for your picnicking pleasure at 5:30. No rain dates. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.
28 Thursday 8pm. Slaid Cleaves. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA
29 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. The Smile Makers at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at  Academy Hill, Westminster. Original music with complex rhythmic song structures, seamless vocal harmonies and poetically crafted lyrics.  
29 Saturday 8pm. Air Traffic Controller. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.
30 Saturday. Deerfield RiverFest. This annual festival takes place in the town fairgrounds just east of Zoar Outdoor. Lots of paddling vendors, music, raffles, and demonstrations to raise money for the non-profit river conservation organization American Whitewater. For information contact American Whitewater.
30 Saturday. The fourth Nashua River Brewers Festival at Riverfront Park in historic downtown Fitchburg.  Taste the finest in local craft beers and listen to great music along the banks of the Nashua River. For only $10 in advance ($15 day of the event) you get a free collectible tasting glass and a free beer ticket.  Additional beer coupons $1. This is a 21+ event - bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the music.  Angry Johnny and the Killbillies, The Allstonians and Camden will be performing.  See www.beersforgood.com for the latest information and tickets. This is a charitable event.  All proceeds to benefit the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and Fitchburg Civic Days.
30 Saturday 10am-11:30am. Clematis: Queen of the Vines at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens West Boylston, MA. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.
30 Saturday noon-3pm. Spectacular Summer Salads at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens West Boylston, MA. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.
30 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Historic Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.
30 Saturday 7pm-9pm. Firefly Watch. Join Northfield Mountain staff and visit a firefly meadow on a summer evening for a memorable experience.  Become immersed in the world of fireflies, a world filled with imposters, femmes fatales and poisonous blood.  Learn about this amazing insect with its variety of flash patterns and colors as well as how to get involved in an exciting citizen science project sponsored by the Boston Museum of Science.   The program begins indoors with an introduction to fireflies and Firefly Watch and then continues outdoors for the summer ritual of watching fireflies. This free event is for ages 12 and older. For more information please visit www.mos.org/fireflywatch.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Rose Garden

 

"Won't you come into the garden? 
I would like my roses to see you."
Richard Brinsley Sheridan