My People…
I am so excited to share this post with you today! I’m sure you’re all aware that Mother’s Day in the US is only a few days away (ahem May 13). As a Mom, there a few things that I can say for certain, but my favorite is: if you want something done right – do it yourself! I didn’t want to flood your inbox with yet another Gift Guide, because when it comes to Gift-Giving, I feel like having an ‘experience’ was much more valuable than another tchotchke to unwrap. Day in and day out, we are constantly juggling everything for everyone, and it’s really hard to practice as much self-care as we’d like (that’s putting it mildly, of course). It would be lovely to spend a lavish day at a luxurious spa, but the fact is, that not everyone has access to that kind of experience. The good news is that you don’t have to be a jet-setter to have a beautifully calming Wellness Retreat right at home. You will need about 2.5 hours, at least, of some quiet time (cue husband, MIL, babysitter, Moana…anyone).
But first, let’s talk about this Raspberry Rhubarb Tart. When I imagine a really delicious dessert following Mother’s brunch/lunch, I imagine a perfectly crisp, flakey number, with some sweet and tart seasonal fruit, topped with soft vanilla whipped cream. It just hits all the notes, and you are really going to want to get on board with this, because once you see how easy it is, you’ll be using this formula all summer long, with ALL the summer fruit!!
So, I start with a sheet of puff pastry. You can make your own or totally use an all-butter store bought version. I lay the sheet out flat on a floured work surface, and use a rolling pin to roll it out just a bit so the final size is about 12″x15″. Then, I spread on a very thin layer of organic strawberry preserves/jam to act as a “glue.” After that, you can start arranging your fresh raspberries and rhubarb diamonds on top of the jam in whatever pattern you like. Just be sure to leave about an inch frame of dough around the edges so you don’t have too much leakage. I love rhubarb for it’s gorgeous ruby color and tart flavor, but also, it’s very geometric, so you can get really creative here if you’re into that. Then, I generously sprinkle on some sugar over the fruit and on the borders. Into the oven at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes, and you’re about to make one Mom very happy, especially if that Mom is you 🙂
Raspberry Rhubarb Tart
A show-stopping tart made with very minimal effort, what could be more appropriate for Mother's Day? Fresh sweet raspberries and ruby red rhubarb atop an easy puff-pastry crust, with sweetened soft vanilla whipped cream
Ingredients
- 1 sheet all butter puff pastry defrosted but cold
- 1/4 cup organic strawberry preserves/jam
- 2 pints raspberries, red or golden
- 4-5 stalks fresh rhubarb
- 2.5 tbsp sugar
Vanilla Whipped Cream
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 heaping tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the thawed puff pastry from the fridge and lay the sheet out flat on a floured work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out so the final size is rectangle about 12"x15". Place the sheet of puff pastry on the prepared sheet pan.
Then, spread on a very thin layer of the organic strawberry preserves/jam to act as a "glue." Begin arranging the fresh raspberries and rhubarb diamonds on top of the jam in whatever pattern you like. Be sure to leave about an inch frame of dough around the edges so there isn't much leakage. Rhubarb is very geometric, so you can get creative with the pattern. Then, generously sprinkle on some sugar over the fruit and on the borders.
Bake at 400 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes, until the edges are very golden brown, and the rhubarb is soft. The tart will be juicy, but once it cools, the juices will thicken. While the tart is cooling, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, or a large bowl with a handheld mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until soft peaks form. Slice up the tart into large squares, and top each piece with a generous spoon of whipped cream.
– 7 STEPS to an AT-HOME WELLNESS RETREAT –
STEP 1: Roll out a yoga mat, and get into your flow. You knew this was happening. Yoga and meditative stretching are something that I really make time for because I’m able to quiet my mind, and stretch and strengthen my muscles all in one session. I love the Alo Yoga channel on Youtube, check it out and click here for one of my favorite flows!
STEP 2: Fill up your tub, if you have one, and add in a few drops of calming essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or chamomile. Use that body scrub you’ve been meaning to try! Light a couple of candles, and dim the lights. If you don’t have a tub, just do the same with a shower! PRO RELAXATION TIP: Power-off your phone to let your body truly relax, and your mind wander.
STEP 3: Do a sheet mask. I know you’ve seen these on the internet, but the hype is worth it! I usually go with a hydrating + replenishing formula, because let’s face it (pun intended), we could all use a little replenishing. Dr. Jart’s is a favorite, and you can grab one at Sephora for under $10!
STEP 4: Use your farmer’s market fruit and veggies to whip up a big, colorful, satisfying salad, the ultimate spa food. I love start with a base of arugula or butter lettuce, toss on some watermelon radishes, sliced avocado, toasted walnuts, a cut up peach or some strawberries, then top it with a few crumbles of feta cheese and some sunflower sprouts. When there are so many gorgeous flavors happening, I keep the dressing really simple, usually just lemon juice and olive oil, S+P. Thirsty? Make a pitcher of your own ‘spa water’ by adding some sliced cucumber, fresh mint and orange slices to a large pitcher, then filling it with cold filtered water, and sip all day.
photo credit: What’s Gaby Cooking
STEP 5: Plant something! This is an activity that you could do by yourself, or with kids and friends if you like. A Wellness Retreat can be social too! One of my favorite rituals every spring is getting my hands dirty and planting herbs, veggies, and flowers. It’s great if you have if you have space for a little garden, but even planting herbs like mint, basil, parsley, and thyme in a medium sized pot is so satisfying. Make sure to place the pot in full sun for at least 6 hours a day, and water every other day.
photo credit: The Home Edit
STEP 6: Get outdoors! Take a hike, walk, or bike ride! No matter the weather, getting outside for at least 10 minutes is so important to help you feel grounded. So take a deep breath, soak up a little vitamin D, and maybe even go barefoot to make you feel like a kid again.
STEP 7: Listen to some music! This seems so obvious, but I mean your music! Sometimes you just can’t listen to one more kids’ sing-a-long, or office “soft-rock station,” you know??! And just in case you don’t have a stand-by playlist, click here for one of my fav playlists at the moment, custom curated for you on Spotify!
There you have it! I hope these tips will help all of you Mamas feel centered, appreciated, and positive! At least until the next time you step on a Lego 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day you gorgeous creatures! xxoo-L