Classic Fresh Fruit Tart

My latest creation using the best of  summer fruits.  I have never made a tart before and was determined to make one before all the summer berries were gone.  We made a trip to Surfas to buy a tart pan which was an adventure and Jacob even had a good time.  I used Cook's Illustrated recipe which is my go to magazine when I haven't done something before.  They have really good and specific instructions. 

After we cut into our beautiful creation, the custard part oozed out.  It was not thick enough to hold shape but it tasted good.  If I made this again I would use half the amount of custard.  I liked the crust and thought it came out good.

I am hoping to make a peach cobbler and corn ice cream before summer is up.  Happy eating!

4th Grade Here I Come!

I can't believe Jacob is starting 4th grade already.  Only 2 more years and then middle school, yikes!  Jacob's 4th grade teacher is known for having a good science program so we are thrilled.

So far Jacob is pleased with 4th grade so we are off to a good start.  Here's to a good school year.

Hollywood Bowl

The Zwang's scored Hollywood Bowl tickets thanks to Kristen.  I have mentioned her before, she is the neighbor of Hank & Berta and we have nicknamed her Fairy Godmother.  These weren't just any tickets but  Pool Circle tickets, they were front row seats.

Since there were only 4 tickets I sent Michael and Jacob off for a good time.

Dudamel was conducting the LA Philharmonic.  Verdi Rigoletto was the music. 

Jacob said he enjoyed staying up past his bedtime and he liked the hot chocolate and cookies.  A good time was had by all.

My Little Author

Saturday we headed off to the Geffen Playhouse, Kinross Annex to see the Story Pirates perform Jacob's play that he wrote in 3rd grade.  We had a few bumps getting there, I had the wrong address (oops) but an enjoyable day any way.

My little author.

Ben from the Story Pirates interviewed Jacob to get some information about him.

Two hot ladies and a kid.

Jacob received a certificate and a photo from the Story Pirates.

The room was very crowded and loaded with children.  They served ice cream after the show which was a nice touch especially given the heat.  Click on the link below to see the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enUXWplD1h0

Michael's Birthday

We left France and headed over to Germany for Michael's birthday.  We ate at Wurstkuche in Venice Beach http://www.wurstkuche.com/index.html.  The adults enjoyed the exotic grilled sausages but Jacob wasn't too keen on them.

Jacob enjoying his first sarsaparilla soda.

I made Michael a Coconut Southern Comfort Layer Cake from Bon Appetit.  http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/02/coconut-southern-comfort-layer-cake

It was 8 layers of sweetness and we all decided that it was too decadent.  It had great coconut flavor but just a little too over the top.  Happy Birthday Michael!  Two birthdays down, one to go.

Camp Stuff

Jacob went to science camp this summer also known as Camp Stuff.

He brought home a new bag of stuff each week.  As you can see from the brightly colored bags he went 4 weeks.

These are the projects that came home also known as new toys.  Jacob really likes this camp so we put up with stuff.

Hank's Birthday

It is the start of the August birthdays.  We celebrated Hank's birthday by eating at Le Petit Cafe in Santa Monica.  http://www.lepetitcafebonjour.com/menus.html a French bistro.

Jacob had fun with the camera at this dinner.  Happy 82nd Birthday Hank!