Almost all the buildings in Dubai are high-rise and very tall, packed in like sardines – pretty cosy to say the least! I’m actually in the infamous ‘burning’ Torch Tower in the middle of Dubai Marina. If you didn’t see it on the news a few months ago, that pretty much sums it up; there was a big fire in the middle of the night but I digress. The reason I say this is because you are basically living on top of all your friends and last week was one of the first nights we took advantage of that!
Jack and I were invited for dinner a whopping 50 floors above us (came in handy!) by some friends that we see day-in, day-out but very foolishly have never done a couples dinner with. I knew they were going to be putting on a lavish meal; (Italian style) and we were generously given one simple task – to bring dessert. I was absolutely choc-a-block the day of the dinner party so Jack pointed out that we could get a BEAUTIFUL dessert with no fuss just a walk away from the shops.
Riiggghhht Jack”¦
I wonder how this would go down….”Hi, thank you ever so much for spending hours cooking this beautiful 3 course meal for us (Amuse bouche, entree, main course). I know I write a food blog….love cooking and do it all the time…but tonight – I’ve gone with pudding à la shop bought. Not gonna fly! And even if they wouldn’t mind, I would.
Something new to bake then. I’ve also got the fabulous Multi One Mixer recently and it’s competing with my Vitamix on a daily basis to be the most used machine in my kitchen. It juices, slices, mixes, whisks and everything else; perfect for a super quick job. I decided on Lemon pie because it’s one of my favourite desserts, and usually an all-round crowd pleaser (usually, anyway!). I told Jack I was making lemon and raspberry tart and he responded with “I want normal brownies.” Normal – the ones with refined sugar, butter and everything else I don’t choose to eat or support eating! But I’m a firm believer in not forcing someone to change their own lifestyle to suit mine…he’s healthy pretty much all the time with me so if he REALLY wants brownies, brownies it is.
So from a shop bought dessert to two homemade desserts of a healthy lemon and raspberry tart as well as not so healthy brownies all in 90 minutes, time was a tickin’!
My Lemon and raspberry tart turned out perfectly. It was absolutely scrumptious with its’ ‘buttery’ soft, gluten-free crust and a deliciously juicy, lemon curd and raspberry filling. (Liking my adjectives today!) But really I mean them because I loved it. I’m pretty fond of a punchy lemon tart filling, one that’s refreshing and a little sour all at the same time. The raspberries really sweeten it up and add a lovely little surprise when the fork dives in. If you prefer yours more on the sweet side then dollop in an extra few tablespoons of honey. Otherwise, enjoy it completely guilt-free (minus the brownies) and dig in!
Hope you love it :)
Hello and welcome! I'm Carly, originally from London but currently enjoying a little adventure in Dubai. A travel and wellness blogger exploring the world one step at a time. Think fabulous food at undiscovered gems, unique destinations, skin care obsessions and so much more. This is my life, I hope you enjoy the ride!