A Summer Dessert Tablescape and Lemon Meringue Puff Pastries

Buona Sera Amici!

Oh my- a crazy day here at Casa Bramasole. But we would never miss Susan's party at Between Naps on the Porch- it's Tablescape Thursday!!

I haven't been home much lately- there are changes in the works at Bramasole (more on that later)! But today I worked at home- insanity reigned- and since the kids are home for the summer, I decided not to waste a minute of memory-making time. It rained HARD last night, but the sun was trying very hard to peek out this morning. What better time for a dessert break with my lovely daughter? Her creative mind is churning with ideas for Father's Day this weekend and we spent some time chatting about an upcoming family trip. 

I LOVED it!

A tiny table for 2....

The table is topped with a vintage 50s card table cloth. These were made with little ties at the corners so that the cloths would stay flat during a raucus game of Canasta!

I pulled the bottom cloth through at the corners

a pillow made with a vintage initial hanky...

and one made with a vintage needlepoint

Each corner has a motif. This little lovely little Miss is carrying a lantern. Isn't the heart adorable??

By the way- it's quite obvious I'm still learning this picture stuff. Note to self- make sure your feet aren't in the picture!

One place setting is handpainted glass...

and one is painted pottery. The colors echo the flowers around us

See my little potted fig tree? :)

Overflowing planters still wet and droopy from the night's downpour

Another motif- a hanging lantern- the suit is Diamonds

Citrus- the colors of summer

A lantern of Clubs...

Lemon Meringue Puff Pastries

One of my very few hydrangeas this year :(   Mr B. inadvertantly pruned at the wrong time

Here comes the sun...

Silver rose napkin rings holding vintage monogrammed linen napkins- I was so excited when I found these- they're our initial!

So relaxing- even a very short break is so good for the soul

Who do you think she's looking for?? The Queen of Hearts maybe??

A lovely break with my girl

I just have to show you my figs- I feel like a proud mama!

Please come join us sometime- we'd love to have you

Lemon Meringue Puff Pastries

1 package frozen puff pastry tarts- regular size or mini (I used mini here)

Bake as directed on package and cool. Remove tops and scoop out centers if necessary

Lemon Curd 

1 tsp. lemon zest, finely grated on a microplane 

4 large egg yolks, at room temperature

rounded 1/2 cup caster sugar 

scant 1/2 cup freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice (about 3 small lemons)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut in pieces 

a pinch of sea salt

In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until combined

Add the lemon juice, salt and cut up butter pieces and heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a heat-proof rubber spatula.

The lemon curd will eventually thicken, coating the back of the spatula.  Do not boil or it may curdle. 

Strain and discard residue.  Add zest and stir.  Allow to cool.

ITALIAN MERINGUE

3  egg whites, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 cup caster sugar 

1 1/2 TBLSP water

In a standing mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk egg whites until foamy.  Add cream of tartar and continue whisking on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar and water until dissolved.  Continue to cook the sugar until the soft ball stage. (240 degrees) Pour the cooked sugar into the stiffly beaten whites and beat until combined.

To assemble: Fill puff pastry tarts with lemon curd. Using pastry bag with star tip, spiral on meringue working from edges in to center. Either broil for a minute or so till tips turn golden (watch very carefully!! This burns quickly) OR do as I do and use a kitchen torch to gently brown the meringue.

Join us tomorrow for Foodie Friday at Gollum's place- and take the time to make some memories of your own 

As Always,

Buon Cibo, Buon Amici,

Pattie and Allie