My Workday and the French Apple Tart

It's strange not writing about the children in my care as a nanny. Ever since I've had this blog my work with children has been a favorite topic of mine. But with my most current job it was necessary for me to sign a pretty definite/strict confidentiality clause in my contract. But I can tell you I am very happy with the family I am working with. This job has been a blessing,

I have a lovely commute each day, driving to a family who appreciates what I do and who I am.  

 

 

 

There are four hens on the property where I work (and I don't think the hens will mind if I post photos of them.)  I often feed them the household scraps each day, as I greet them with  "Morning girls."  They've gotten to know me and that I always come bearing gifts.

 

On Wednesdays everyone is out and I  prepare dinner for the family.  Yesterday I made a potato broccoli soup and homemade garlic croutons.  Turned out pretty yummy.  Here is a photo of the croutons. Just a sourdough bagette cut into pieces, spread on a cookie sheet and drizzled with melted butter and garlic.  Half way though the cooking (about 15 minutes at 375 degrees) I tuned them over for another 15 minutes.  They were crunchy on the outside and softer at the center.  Oh boy were they something to be reckoned with when immersed in a hot bowl of potato broccoli soup topped with grated cheddar.  I didn't get a photo of the whole deal cause I was embarassed to take a photo at the dinner table while at work.  (Yes, even I have some photo taking pride - even though my children would disagree)

But the real beauty of the meal was this French Apple Tart (recipe found here) A slice served with some organic Straus Family Vanilla Bean ice cream was pretty damn good, even if I do say so myself.  Here are my steps to its creation...

Carmelizing the apples:

 Topped with puff pastry:

 

Out of the oven:

 

 

Inverted onto cake dish:

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And while this all cooked, with all of my other chores completed, I got to sit out here on a beautiful Autumn evening and do some knitting while the chickens began to roost and I waited for the family to return home.  

 

 When my nanny family did arrive home, I saw the car driving up the driveway and one little guy came running into the house saying,

"Marianne!  We were at Farmer's market and we got you a present and I picked it out!"  

"Oh my goodness, why?"  

"Because you are such a good nanny is why!"

So Blogland friends, remember all of my angst about employment back in the spring?  I shouldda trusted that The Universe had a great plan for me and just needed some time to get it all in order.  

Another good lesson.

Comments

[Karen Maestas]

I'm so happy for you Marianne and for your nanny family! What a nice job! You are a natural. Best wishes, Karen

[Vickie]

What a yummy job! I'm happy that things are once again going your way. LOVE the tart and the lavender wreath. xo

[naomi dagen bloom]

You smile on the universe and it seems to return the favor. Trying to figure a way to make the apple delicacy without crust or something more nutritous.