The first official day of Fall is this Saturday, September 22nd. It is the Autumnal Equinox.
Fun words to say: Indubitably, Zing, Sukino Bhavantu, Autumnal…. Seriously, try them out.
Tangent Confession: when I hear the word “equinox,” I think of the song “Meet Me on the Equinox” by Death Cab For Cutie which was a song in Twilight: New Moon, which of course makes me think of Rob and Kristen (first name basis, obviously)and how I’m a 27 year old pining for the restoration of their failed relationship! My brain is a sick and twisted place…. Watch this video. Do it.
Sorry, let’s get back on track. Picture this:
Right now my windows are open; there is a light, cool breeze, and I’m sipping my oolong jasmine tea.
It’s technically Summer…. But it feels like Fall…
Enter, Dessert. Rustic like Fall, Tastes like Summer.
I’m not sure where you live, but strawberries are in bulk and on sale here. Take advantage of them and make this delicious tart… the most perfect transition into the Autumnal Equinox.
Sincerely,
Jill
Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
Adapted from Clean Food by Terry Walters
For the Crust:
¾ cups almonds
¾ cups cashews
1 cup walnuts
¾ cup brown rice flour
Scant ½ cup maple syrup
Scant ½ cup canola oil
Pinch of sea salt
For the Filling:
¾ cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup
4 stalks rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cups strawberries, de-stemmed and quartered
3 tablespoons arrowroot
1 teaspoon agar powder or flakes (found at an Asian market)
Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees. In the bowl of a food processor, throw in the almonds, cashews and walnuts. Grind until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the rest of the ingredients for the crust, and process until well combined.
Evenly press the mixture into a lightly oiled 10-inch tart pan to form the crust. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Keep the oven on.
In a large pot over medium heat, whisk together the pomegranate juice and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Continue whisking while slowly adding the arrowroot and agar powder. Cook for 2 minutes or until the juice thickens. Add the rhubarb and strawberries and cook until the rhubarb begins to fall apart. Remove from heat and cool for a minute.
Pour the filling into the tart crust. Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Serve at room temperature.