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Butternut Squash Tourte #ChefsSecret


I had it all planned out: an entire Valentines' dinner with recipes from the companion cookbook for Crystal King's The Chef's Secret. For the dessert course, I thought about re-making my own Crostata di Ciliegie; but I wanted to try one of the other sweet treats.


I settled on the Pumpkin Tourte that Crystal herself offered. I substituted butternut squash because that's what I had just received in my CSA box. I roasted it, pureed it, and set about making the tourte. Except...I was rushing and I forgot to add the sugar.

With the first bite, everyone at the table had an odd look on their faces. "It's different," declared my Enthusiastic Elf.

"Is it supposed to be savory?" asked my Love. No, why?!? I took a bite and immediately knew what I had done, or not done. Darn it! I forgot to add the sugar.


I ran into the kitchen and whipped up some cream with a significant amount of sugar and came back with a plate of Black Tahini Truffles, too. Our Valentines' dessert cravings were averted, but I have Crystal's Pumpkin Tourte on my to-bake list. Correctly next time. With sugar!

Flops happen. I think it's important to share my kitchen successes and failures. Because, if you can't laugh at yourself, you'll never improve, right?

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