Raspberry Tartlets

Oh, baby. Look who showed up this past weekend, at not quite 36 weeks. Bed rest is officially over for my sister, for at least the next year, and possibly for the next 18. Since beautiful baby A is so tiny still, just like a bitty little baby doll, they're sticking around for another week, just to play it safe. And aren't we glad? We get to hold her, and admire her, and fawn over her, and put her on a majestic pink baby pedestal for a little bit longer. (Actually, just until tomorrow when we jump on an airplane and head to the east coast...typing one handed and throwing things in suitcases... details to come.) Two pregnant sisters down, one more to go. There are few (if any) pleasures in the world that I rank higher than being an Aunt. And did I mention that Baby A got my middle name? Prudence Penelope Pennywise, that's me. Well, that's actually only the name of my penny pinching alter ego; so far no namesakes for my alter ego, can't imagine why. My real middle name starts with an E. Can you guess it? It's also my daughter's middle name, one niece's first name, and now three of my nieces' middle names. And here's a hint: it's not Erminitrude. (That's the name of another of my alter egos, the prim and proper one that wouldn't ever in a million years measure for coffins at girls camp.)

In all the comings and goings of babies and pregnant ladies, and cousins, and just life in general, I've been looking forward to this very easy recipe from the inimitable Dorie Greenspan. It requires almost no forethought or planning, very little prep time, and the results are quite scrumptious. It reminds me, once again, of the importance of always making time for sweet things in life, edible and otherwise....and also to always keep a bit of puff pastry in the freezer.

Money Saving Tips:

It's cheapest to make your own puff pastry, but it's not exactly a time saver. Look for an all butter puff pastry if you can find one; if not buy some Pepperidge Farm in the freezer case. Use whatever fruit you've got on hand; the original recipe called for apples.

Raspberry Tartlets

Estimated Cost: $3.00

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (I defrost in micro, on 50 percent power for about 1 min)

raspberries, fresh or frozen

sugar

butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Spray lightly with no stick spray. Cut circles from the puff pastry with a drinking glass. Place on prepared pan. Cover the middle with a few raspberries, sprinkle with about 1/2 tsp. sugar and put a pea-sized piece butter on top. Bake for about 20 minutes.

Next Up:

Best Ever Lemon Blueberry Muffins