birthday thinking and a berry meringue tart
November 15, 2011 at 8:03 am 57 comments
I’ve just celebrated another birthday rolling around. Time spent with lovely people, delicious food and lots of happy moments.
I’ve also been thinking of another that is no longer here.
Thinking of my grandfather who left me with a head full of happy memories, that I frequently bring out and go through. Flicking through those memories like a well worn scrap book, with mental scribbles, loved pictures and happy moments.
Ours was a shared birthday. It was always such a special feeling knowing that our birthday was on the same day. Giving me a loving connection with the grandfather I adored.
A man, who to me always smelt like smoked apple wood, and occasionally raw onions as he loved them on sandwiches.
He had a sweet tooth for certain things, introducing me to sugar coated jubes that would get soft and squishy in the car. There were scoops of vanilla icecream with spoonfuls of his home made jam on top. He also knew answers to more trivia questions than I could ever hope to know in a lifetime. Answers would roll off his tongue like a well rehearsed dialogue. No pause for thought as the reply seemed so easily retrieved.
Big boxes of locally grown apples would be brought by him when ever he came to visit, followed by bulging jars of loose change to be carefully counted and divided amongst the grandchildren. Counting was always my job, as I was the eldest. Every cent was divided up and then we could spend it in any way we wanted.
He was there when I first rode my bike. He was also there, teaching me to dive in the pool during summer. Tuck the feet in, tuck the feet in…
We would go to visit and on his arriving home after a long day, we would hear the sounds of his footsteps coming up the stairs.
Clomp, clomp, clomp…
The stairs always lasted forever as he continued stepping on the same few top stairs, making it sound like they were ten stories high. Building up the excitement, my siblings and I giggling with anticipation of him being so close. Long squashed hugs would follow, as we would all scramble for his attention.
In his last year, while he was sick, I got to tell him that I had met the man I was going to marry. This comforts me in a funny kind of way. Even though he didn’t get to be at my wedding or get to know any of his great grandchildren, he at least got a glimpse of the path I was about to head down. A path, I think that would have made him incredibly happy.
As long as I have these special memories and a hundred others, he will always be with me. Not mourned over for his loss, or the unfairness of a life taken away too soon but celebrating in the life that he did have. A life that I got to share a little part of, which I’m incredibly grateful for those years, and those birthdays we did get to share together.
******
…and I also think he would have quite liked a slice of this birthday berry tart.
Drawing from my last years ‘a rather tall birthday cake‘ and also inspired by a gorgeous recipe from Jamie Oliver’s ‘Jamie does…cookbook‘. This little number was the result.
Berry Meringue Tart
Pastry (recipe here) base can be cooked the day before. Pastry pricked all over and then baked blind for 20 minutes at 180C in a greased tart pan (the kind that pops out is good) and then a further 10 minutes uncovered. Pastry should be crisp and golden.
Meringue (recipe here) clusters baked on a tray at 130C until crisp all over, this will take an hour plus. (I used 4 egg whites/220g sugar.)
Mascarpone vanilla bean cream. Whip 300mls cream to soft peaks, then add 1/2 cup icing sugar and one scraped vanilla bean pod. Add 250g mascarpone and gently whip again until mixed through.
Berries- strawberries, blueberries and cherries.
Smooth out several spoonfuls of the mascarpone mixture on to the base of the cooked pastry. This will help the meringue stick a little. Break the meringue up and build a decent sized layer, Spoon the remainder of the mascarpone mixture all over, filling in any meringue holes and then cover with your favourite berries. Dust with a little icing sugar.
Like this:
Entry filed under: food glorious food, rambles, waffles and digressions. Tags: berries, birthday cake, grandfather, mascarpone, memories, meringue, pastry.
1.
Joanna | November 15, 2011 at 8:14 am
Many Happy Returns Brydie! Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man, I enjoyed hearing about him. The cake looks beautful too xx
2.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:43 am
Thanks Joanna. He really was a wonderful man.
3.
Mariana | November 15, 2011 at 8:52 am
No wonder you had an exceptionally special bond with your grandfather. Your words really painted a well loved image of him. I find posts like these really valuable. Especially for your children, as later in life they may read this and learn more about you, your grandfather and even themselves. (At least that’s what my ‘grown’ kids are telling me).
Your berry tart looks fit for the front cover of “Delicious”; it’s truly stunning. Sounds like you had a birthday filled with memories. Happy birthday. Mariana xxx
4.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:44 am
Now that’s a lovely Delicious magazine compliment Mariana, thank you! And thanks for the birthday wishes.
5.
ale | November 15, 2011 at 9:05 am
Happy happy birthday!!! My day too!! altough I´m not a young woman and mom, but from time to time I read your posts and look at your beautiful pictures!!
Have a nice day!!! I´m now going to prepare my cake…. your berry tart looks yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:45 am
Thanks for popping in to read Ale and Happy Birthday to you too.
7.
Rose | November 15, 2011 at 9:14 am
A happy birthday (if late)! I’m sure your grandad would have loved that cake.
8.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:46 am
Thank you Rose
9.
ceciliag | November 15, 2011 at 9:56 am
That is such a decadent tart and isn’t wonderful that as well as smells we remember the Sounds of our loved ones.. happy birthday.. c
10.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:47 am
It’s pretty amazing to think how we associate our memories isn’t it. Whether it’s attached to a smell, a sound or a visual.
11.
Christine | November 15, 2011 at 10:09 am
Happy Birthday, dear girl. Precious memories there. xx
12.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:48 am
Thank you lovely.
13.
hotlyspiced | November 15, 2011 at 10:32 am
Happy birthday. It sounds like you had a very wonderful and very special grandfather. It’s a shame we don’t live longer. That is a very beautiful looking berry tart.
14.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:55 am
Thanks hotly spiced. It was fun putting the tart together, and a good one for summer.
15.
Dayla | November 15, 2011 at 11:07 am
And they say only the good die young! Your grandad sounded wonderful. I envy (in a nice way) your relationship with a grandparent, I had none but wish I had. Even my own son has had none close enough. But yours sounds extra special. Good for you. Your post was excellent, well written, it really got me in.
Dayla
16.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:56 am
Thanks Dayla. I am lucky to have had/have grandparents…incredibly lucky.
17.
alison@thisbloominglife | November 15, 2011 at 11:25 am
Gorgeous post, (and tart). Those happy memories are so treasured. I always remember vegemite toast in bed when I think of my grandfather – it seemed such a treat! Hope you have a birthday week of it with treats everyday…
18.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:58 am
Vegemite toast in bed is a treasured memory. I’ll bet your grandfather loved that time just as much as you did Alison.
19.
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide | November 15, 2011 at 11:41 am
What a sweet post in more ways than one.
20.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:58 am
I think the tart will be making a re-entrance at some time.
21.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts | November 15, 2011 at 12:15 pm
What beautiful, beautiful memories
Definitely ones to treasure. And a big happy birthday to you!! Gorgeous cake and I hope you had a wonderful day.
22.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 7:59 am
I did thanks Kari
23.
sheof108names | November 15, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Happy Birthday Girl! Your grandfather sounds like a great man.
24.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 8:01 am
Thanks mama, he was quite a character.
25.
Keri | November 15, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Happy Birthday Brydie, and to your lovely Grandfather – it sounds like he was a wonderful, wonderful man – just like a grandfather in a story book! You obviously have some very precious memories of special times shared with him. People may die, but love never does. He will live on forever in your heart, and by sharing your lovely stories and memories, he will continue to live in the hearts of your children.
26.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 8:02 am
It’s funny retelling stories about him to my eldest. He seems to enjoy the stories as much as I enjoy telling them.
27.
heidi | November 15, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Happy Birthday, Brydie!
What a blessing to share such a precious day with your grandfather- and what a special bond you shared with him that has continued with your memories- even after he has passed on!
I had no grandparents, but I loved my dad so exclusively that the memories I have of him are like diamonds. He died when I was sixteen and each memory has made my life richer.
Thank you for sharing your memories-
and for the recipe!
I’m making this for Thanksgiving with fruit from Chili. It isn’t local- but I can’t wait until summer for this one!
28.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 16, 2011 at 8:04 am
I’d love to know how you go with it Heidi. It does have a certain celebration wow factor about the tart…and i think your thanksgiving might be this weekend??
29.
heidi | November 17, 2011 at 1:06 am
No, not for another week or so.
The last Thursday in November. I am so far behind- we have a wedding for my nephew, I’m flying into NYC the first of December and then Christmas back in Virginia- I hope I am up for all the ancillary activities that go with the events!
30.
Betsy | November 15, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Happy birthday
31.
sheryl sidery | November 15, 2011 at 4:17 pm
happy birthday from your m xxx
32.
gina | November 15, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Happy Returns Brydie! Love bonds last for ever and when our beloved grandfathers & grandmothers become angels they care for us and share with us our earthly joyful moments! My love to you and your family! Thx for sharing with us your tender memories and your recipe! Congrats for your lovely cake! Good morning from our frozen hellenic island of Kos!
33.
Tandy | November 15, 2011 at 7:56 pm
birthday blessings – you have wonderful memories
34.
Stupendous Joy | November 15, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Happy birthday CHFG! What an incredible cake! Thanks for sharing the sweet memories of you grandfather
I had a similar experience with my mum passing way… she met the LF and had a glimpse of my life-to-be too. It’s a real joy for me knowing she saw a tiny slice of ‘this’ life. Thanks for writing it so succinctly…. as you always do. x
35.
Jupiter Creek Farm | November 15, 2011 at 11:22 pm
one word. YUM! when all my berries ripen, Im on this!
36.
Just A Smidgen | November 16, 2011 at 1:22 am
Happy Birthday… this cake is such a loving tribute to your grandfather. He would be so proud of all that you have accomplished… what a special man he must have been. This brought tears to my eyes.
37.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 17, 2011 at 5:43 am
I think he would have quite enjoyed reading it too.
38.
frugalfeeding | November 16, 2011 at 2:07 am
Happy birthday! I’m sorry your grandfather isn’t there with you. I can’t imagine losing my grandfather – he’s like a second father to me. This tart looks incredible!
39.
Richard Elliot | November 16, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Happy Birthday! That looks like a stunning cake, a generous helping of fresh berries always make things look special.
40.
kim | November 16, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Happy birthday , Brydie. I was so touched by your story about your grandfather….you really brought childhood to life in your descriptions of how you felt at the time. I talk to my children about my grandfather all the time and his memory stays alive in our little bedtime conversations about this special man.
Thanks for a lovely recipe and leaving me with a sense of who you are because of the lovely presence this man had in your life.
41.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 17, 2011 at 5:47 am
Kim those bed time conversations are gold aren’t they. When I was little, I used to love hearing stories from my grandmother’s ‘olden days’, now it’s my turn to pass these on.
These stories do keep those memories alive, and I love that.
42.
Amanda | November 16, 2011 at 3:51 pm
What a lovely tribute to your grandfather, Brydie. It has made me a little envious as I never knew either of mine.
And I’m sure he would have loved a slice of that tart – as would I.
43.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella | November 16, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Happy Birthday Brydie! And what a beautiful tribute to your grandfather who obviously meant the world to you. I got a bit teary reading it
44.
fprins | November 16, 2011 at 4:17 pm
That was a moving tribute to David and gave me gooseflesh as it brought back lots of lovely memories for me too; the distant cousin whom he sought and found on his exploration of our amazing family tree roots to Sri Lanka. His legacy for me is the connection he gave us and our children which would please him no end. You remind me so much of him with your amazing creativity, writing skills and love of exotic food which you so generously share with us. It is so appropriate that you share a birthday with him, He also loved “lime pickle” a Sri Lankan delicacy that he could never get enough of and yes he would have loved your cake too. He lives on for me too every time I work on our family tree and the wonderful memories of him that I treasure. Thanks for the memories.
Frederick
45.
cityhippyfarmgirl | November 17, 2011 at 5:51 am
No words Frederick… thank you.
xxx
46.
My Inner Chick | November 16, 2011 at 5:10 pm
–This tart is PURE ART.
Lovely.
47.
Bruisemouse | November 16, 2011 at 6:43 pm
I hope you had a wonderfully happy birthday.
Such a gorgeous recollection of your grandfather.
Take care
48.
Journey Photographic | November 16, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Happy birthday. Your grandfather sounds like a very special person – thanks for sharing your memories of him with us.
49.
Wendy | November 17, 2011 at 6:47 am
Brydie, a truly beautiful tribute to the memory of someone who clearly made you feel so loved, happy and secure. It brought back memories of my own grandmothers and the preciousness of the times we spent together. Happy birthday my friend.
50.
My Italian Smörgåsbord (Aka Barbara) | November 17, 2011 at 9:56 am
this cake is AMAZING! I think I am going to celebrate my next birthday with this recipe, it contains 3 of the ingredients I love most: berries, mascarpone, meringue. the problem is, I would have to make 2: one for me and one for my my family and friends
51.
rachel @ tea with lucy | November 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Happy birthday my fellow scorpio. To you and your grandfather. What beautiful memories you’ve shared here. xo
52.
Celia | November 17, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Happy belated birthday, Brydie, to you and your grandfather. Wonderful story, thank you…
53.
Karen | November 18, 2011 at 1:28 am
I loved the story of your grandfather. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. The birthday tart looks beautiful…I love meringue.
54.
Savory Simple | November 20, 2011 at 12:23 pm
I would be thrilled to have that tart for my birthday!
55.
spiceandmore | November 21, 2011 at 10:58 am
Happy birthday! A wonderful looking summer birthday tart – just perfect!
56.
Johanna GGG | November 25, 2011 at 12:13 am
now that is my sort of tart and your grandfather sounds like my sort of grandparent – glad you have such wonderful memories and a shared birthday to remember him by – a belated happy birthday
57. A perfect day for this … - Steps On the Journey | November 25, 2011 at 3:57 pm
[...] got the recipe here at cityhippiefarmgirl’s blog. And I’ve been thinking about [...]