Josephine’s Patchwork Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

After a few more farmers’ market trips this month, the abundance of rhubarb I've collected is beginning to take over my refrigerator. While I want to keep my kitchen creative and come up with more new and innovative ways to use the rhubarb, my craving for a tasty traditional dish was winning me over; like waking me up at 6:00am on a Sunday morning to make a pie kind of winning.

As I began looking over a few great recipes, I decided to try a little mix-and-match when developing my own take on the pie. I chose an adapted version of Chatelaine’s Very Berry Galette for the crust and reviewed a series of recipes to help me decide on the ratios for the strawberry rhubarb filling.  When it comes to baking I'm usually very diligent about following a specific recipe, but I love Chatelaine’s crust so much that I was determined to use it for this pie. In the end, I learned that patching together different recipes isn't as scary as I thought it would be, especially when you are careful with your ratios and consider that pie crusts are fairly universal.

JOSEPHINE'S PATCHWORK STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

INGREDIENTS

Crust

2 ½ cups             all purpose flour  

2 tbsp                 granulated sugar

½ tsp                   salt

1 cup                   soft butter

8 tsp                     ice water

2 tbsp                    lemon juice

Filling

2 cups                   strawberries (sliced)

2 cups                   rhubarb (cleaned and chopped – trim ends)

½ cup                    granulated sugar                       

3tbsp                      cornstarch

1tsp                        coarse sugar

1/8 tsp                    salt           

DIRECTIONS

1.     Crust: preheat oven to 375F. Mix flour, sugar and salt using electric mixer. Add butter and continue to mix until the pastry looks like little crumbs. Keep mixing as you add ice water and lemon juice until the ingredients form dough. Using lightly floured hands form pastry into a ball and then cut in half. Lightly coat rolling pin and cutting-board with flour. Roll pastries into two circles, each slightly wider than your pie dish (use one circle to line the bottom of the pie dish and the other to cover the pie).

2.     Filling: combine granulated sugar, cornstarch and 1/8 tsp of salt in a bowl. Stir in berries until coated.

3.     Line the bottom of pie dish with one pastry and add filling. Cover the pie filling with the second pastry circle. Pinch the edges of the pastry together and use a fork to crimp them. Brush the top of the pie with water or egg whites, cut small slits in the centre with a knife (to allow steam to escape) and sprinkle the top with coarse sugar.

4.     Bake for 40-45 minutes (or until the crust is golden).  Remove from oven and let stand for 15 min. Serve warm.

*Mommy-life tip: pastry can be made ahead of time, wrapped in plastic and stored in the fridge for a maximum of three days. Before rolling, let stand until it’s back to room temperature (approximately 20-30 min).

The make-ahead tip is perfect if you're planning a dinner party or in case this becomes a two-nap process. 

Enjoy!

Trying to bake during nap-time can be crazy. Do you have any mommy-life tips for baking? Would love to hear them. Please leave a comment below :)

My Husband's Haven: A Canadian Cottage Inspired Father’s Day

When my husband and I first started dating he was thrilled to show me his favourite place, the family cottage. 

While I wouldn't call myself an outdoorsy girl, as the years went on I too began to fall in love with my husband’s haven. 

This year we've already been on two amazing escapes with our little one to the family cottage and after a visit this past weekend; I couldn't help but notice just how happy my husband is when he’s there. It’s going to be amazing to watch him teach our little guy to fish, drive the boat and build fires as he grows up on the lake. This Father’s Day, I am planning a Canadian cottage inspired gift that reflects my husband’s love for campfires and dock-time. I'm also going share some theme-based ideas for dads based on a few beloved daddy destinations.

The Dockside Daddy (aka my husband)

For my husband, dock-time is his favourite time, whether he’s prepping the boat for a sunset cruise or hunting for kindling to build the biggest campfire possible, these comfy classics from Roots Canada are perfect for those cool cottage nights.

Roots Tracksuit (matching with my son’s … this is part of the surprise)

Canadian Pure Maple Syrup (another farmers' market find)

After the delicious breakfast in bed I had on Mother's Day, I think that we've started a new tradition. While I'm still deciding what to make for breakfast this Father's Day, I know it will involve some good old-fashioned Maple Syrup. Found this one at the Annette Village Farmers' Market and it came with a few fabulous recipes. I've literally been putting this stuff on everything lately. Stay tuned for a Maple Madness post coming-up on the blog. I'll share some fun ways to use Maple Syrup, adding a touch of sweetness to your everyday meals. 

The Daytona Dad

My dad loves the beach so much that if he could live in a beach shack, he probably would. This Beach Blanket from Old Navy is perfect for that waterside day-trip you've been planning with dad this summer.

The Backpacking Papa

If the dad in your life loves a good getaway, whether it’s hiking the Bruce Trail or backpacking through Europe, here is a fabulous find that will satisfy his taste for travel.

RCAF Travel Bag (from Chapters)

This is the perfect travel bag for all of the shower and shaving essentials that dad will need to take along on his travels. Check out the Red Canoe collection at Chapters/Indigo for more great travel accessories for dad.

When searching for that perfect gift I'm always trying to find something thoughtful, but also practical, and this Father's day I was inspired by the some of dad's favourite places and spaces.  

What inspires you when searching for a gift? Would love to hear some creative gift giving ideas. 

Josephine’s Creative Career Moms: Tanya Birl-Torres

Tanya in a photoshoot for Broadwayworld.com

This month I am so excited to feature Tanya Birl-Torres, a talented Broadway dancer and new mother. Tanya’s story is honest, inspiring and very close to my heart, as we grew up together. Motherhood can be a rollercoaster ride, with many ups and downs, but it’s stories like these and connections with other mothers, close friends and family that help to keep us grounded and sometimes inspire us to keep going. Tanya gave me some insight into the strong mother-models that she’s looked up to in her life and after hearing Tanya’s story, I hope that you are as inspired as I was.

Ok, so let’s hear your story. How did you make it to Broadway?

Broadway was never something that I sought after directly. I made my Broadway debut in Finian's Rainbow in 2009. To clarify, when you say Broadway, it is referring to a small block of theaters lining the very famous street in New York City. My debut came after many years of touring the US and the world performing in other Musicals. I was introduced to musical theater more indirectly. I was studying at the Alvin Ailey Dance School in New York City and I was focusing very intensely on a career in modern dance. During a ballet class one day, I received a call from my mom that someone from the Lion King was inquiring about my availability (I had auditioned over a year previously in New York and never heard anything back). They had an opening on the national tour and told me that it was between me and two other women. After a week of waiting anxiously, casting called me and told me to pack my bags. I got the job. That phone call changed my life and introduced me to the world of musical theater, and in turn, Broadway. 

Did you always dream of becoming a Broadway dancer?

Funny enough, No. Broadway was never really on my radar.  I did grow up singing in church and watching a lot of musicals like West Side Story and The Sound of Music at home with my family.

Is it every dancer’s dream come true?

It is a dream come true for many people and is something that is so sought after and admired. For me, it was a real sense of accomplishment.

Tanya and her Beautiful Family on the High Line in NYC

When did you decide it was time to start a family?

I had told my husband Wilson that we could start a family once I had done three Broadway shows. We got married during my Broadway debut and the second (Memphis) came a few months later and the third (How To Succeed in Business) came six months after that. It was a lot faster than I had thought! When How To Succeed closed after a year and a half; we saw a window of opportunity in between our next projects to give it a try. We did, and the rest is history.

Opening Night of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (six-and-a-half months pregnant)

What’s it like being pregnant in this field? What were some of the challenges?

I had a blast being pregnant in this industry. I was very fortunate and was cast in the Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Scarlett Johansson while I was a few months pregnant. The show is about family and fertility and they saw my character as a welcome addition. I grew with the show (and my costumes) and ended the run of the production 8 1/2 months pregnant. It was a play, so I didn't have to dance at all; I did a lot of walking and acting. It was a real gift. The biggest challenge was walking up a flight of stairs for every entrance of the show. To be honest, I kept on doing everything I did before I was pregnant (except the occasional glass of wine) and never felt more beautiful or capable. It was post pregnancy that was jammed packed with lessons and breakdowns/breakthroughs.

Can you describe a typical workday? What’s it like now that you have a little one?

A typical workday (let’s say a Tuesday) would be waking up with Noemi around 7:30am, reading some books and getting ready for the day. We have breakfast and then walk the dog. We take Noemi to daycare for a few hours so that we can get some things done. I go to yoga at 9:30 am in the neighborhood and run errands. My husband will practice (he's the percussionist for Les Mis on Broadway) and then he will pick her up at 1:00 pm. We then come home for her nap and I get started on dinner. We eat and then get ready to leave for work. The babysitter comes around 5:00 pm and I leave the house at 5:15pm. We both return from our shows at 10:30pm. We then have a snack, watch some recorded TV and head to bed around midnight. 

Current show: On the Town 

If you could use one word to describe your life as a mom and a dancer what would it be?

One word to explain my life as a mom and dancer is Balance. As tired and exhausted as I am at the end of each day, I get to be with Noemi all day (except for two show days) and then go into Times Square and release the stress of the day by dancing, laughing, singing and letting loose for a living. It definitely takes a village to make things run smoothly, but I feel like two years in, we are finally finding the balance of it all. I always say that I am a better mom when I am a working mom, so for where I am right now, I feel extremely fulfilled.

Who or what inspires you to keep at it and follow your dreams?

I have some extremely strong women in my life that are thriving at being a mother and a top notch career woman. I also grew up with a mom that was very present, but worked full-time for most of our childhood. It was important to see that it is quality not quantity of time that matters. It taught me a great sense of work ethic and passion for family and career.

Finally, can you offer other career moms, especially ones in a demanding field like this, some survival tips?

Take everything moment to moment. Be where you are. If it's a moment of silence while you are washing a dish, revel in it. If it's accomplishing a difficult task at work, use it to amaze yourself at how much we women and mothers can handle. I also try to be present when I am with Noemi. When things get hectic and I feel some guilt for being away, I think about how I spent my time with her that day and it always puts me at ease.

Sweet Strawberry Rhubarb Salad

I get so excited for farmer’s market season every spring. An afternoon at the market makes what can sometimes be a seemingly mundane task like grocery shopping into an enjoyable and inspiring outing.

           

Today was the first week of our local farmer’s market and the colours of the vender tables were particularly vibrant, filled with strawberries, spinach, cucumber and an abundance of rhubarb. 

After walking past a series of tables that were featuring rhubarb, its vibrant red stalks and lush leaves catching my eye at every turn, I decided to stop and ask one of the vendors what was the best way to incorporate this vegetable into everyday meals. Wasting no time, he quickly began to show me how to clean the stalks and explained that it would taste best if used to make a simple syrup. His kind and helpful tips are what became the inspiration for the dressing and salad featured below.

Sweet Strawberry Rhubarb Salad Ingredients

Salad

2 Cups Fresh Spinach (tear into bite-size bits)

1 Cucumber (sliced)

2 Strawberries (sliced)

2 Tablespoons granola

Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup

1/3 Cup Rhubarb (cleaned and cut into small slices)

1/4 Cup of Strawberries (sliced)

1/4 Cup of Sugar

1/4 Cup Water

Dressing

2 Tablespoons of the Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup

1 Teaspoon of Dyonnaise Mustard Blend

1 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice

1/8 of a teaspoon of salt and pepper

Directions Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup

1.     In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb, strawberries, water and sugar.

2.     Bring to a boil at medium-high heat for 7 min or until your rhubarb is very soft.

3.     Remove from heat and let stand for 10 min.

4.     Set aside the larger pieces of fruit

5.     This makes more syrup than you will need for your dressing, so I like to keep what's left for Sunday morning pancakes!

Directions for Dressing

          Combine 2 tbs of the syrup, dyonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper; whisk until blended.

Directions for Salad

Combine spinach, cucumber and strawberries; pour dressing and sprinkle with granola.  Lightly toss. Top with the bits of strawberry and rhubarb leftover from your syrup.

Enjoy!