Joy + Tomatoes
By Craig Lieckfelt
David loves the sunrise, pastel air, the breathe seasoned with grace, new beginnings cause burdens to hibernate like the moth’s daytime slumber. Crisp like a pleat and full of promise. In this morning’s epilogue, darkness inevitably dissolves to optimism, the time ticks and as we rotate, the light, love, everything conquers. It’s 5am, David is driving in the southwest corner of New Mexico, through Las Cruces, along the Mexican border and he’s nostalgic and happy to be in a familiar place. The innocence of the morning sun, a soothing steam well, unifying his spirit, his breath, purposed to praise God, and God’s love, found in all existence, proof of authenticity, signed in solidarity. The sky is playful, a wheel of fortune, a wealth of delight. The teals fade in the pinks, unexplained, but orange finds a home, a blur of time, transcendent till yellow, a blink refreshes God’s constant presence. A scarlet rouge, a bushel of Detroit Red’s, beet greens resting on the Brandywine vine, deep purple, opaque clouds, a stubbled shadow. David loves the sunrise, majestic heights of massive awakening.
Ponder its relevancy, the selfless, consistent sunrise. An anchor created to wade in the joy of this day, loving darling, a honeymoon phase every morning. What a gift we have, earth’s existence.
A grumble nudges David’s hunger, a stop at the highway diner offers fellowship to the titans of our roadways. This place feels familiar to him, blue-collar echoes from the walls, he’s happy to have breakfast, eggs, and everything else, a reflection of his past, he’s been in this place, eating food and socializing.
The waitress approaches with her dupe pad, “what can I get you?” David loves her confidence, a sudden sweetness sets the tone, and he orders coffee, eggs, potatoes, sausage, toast, and a side of fruit, please. “Sure thing sweetie.” David smiles at her response. He eats his breakfast, drinks his coffee, and gets back on the road. David is content, his lonely adventure interrupted by hospitality.
Singing fuels his soul, words of affirmation, love, and freedom serenade the mountains, a big sky seems futuristic, and he’s aware of the life, of all of creation, the entire universe found in the cliff, it’s striations tell a story of the sun’s formation, and in jubilation, power strikes. F-16’s enter his view, wings dip, their earned honor, and courage overflow. His every morsel is humbled, lucky for this moment, his eyes crying out, “oh my God.”
You know I'm gonna be okay
Yeah, it's a party in the USA.
Roasted Tomato Tart with whipped Mascarpone & thyme
ingredients (roasted tomato)
Heirloom tomatoes from market (5-10 each)
salt 2 teaspoon
pepper 1 tablespoon
thyme 2 tablespoon
ingredients (pie dough)
diced butter 1 cup
ap flour 2 cups
salt 1 teaspoon
water 4 tablespoons
baking beans 3 cups
sugar 1/2 teaspoon
ingredients (whipped mascarpone)
Mascarpone 1 cup
Cream cheese 1/2 cup
salt 1/2 teaspoon
pepper 1/4 teaspoon
for the tomatoes
Cut the tomatoes into 1/3 inch slices. Place on a sheet tray with salt, pepper, thyme and olive oil and roast at 350F for 17 minutes.
for the dough…
Dice the butter into a mince and then add to a food processor or bowl and then add the flour, salt, sugar, and water. Mix or process until a solid ball has formed and then refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Roll out to 1/16” thick with a rolling pin about 3 inches wider diameter than the tart mold. Roll it up on the rolling pin and then place it over the tart shell and press the edges and then place a piece of parchment paper over the dough and then add the beans and bake at 375F for 13 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment and bake for another 10 minutes.
for the mascarpone
With a whisk, whip until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
assembly
Take the whipped mascarpone and place it in the tart shell and smooth it out until it fills all the way to the edges. Take the roasted tomatoes and start to layer the tomatoes on the cheese until all the space is covered.