I'm writing this from the airplane. I was supposed to be in Bryan, Texas (sister city to College Station, the home of Texas A&M, for those who aren't up on their Texas geography) overnight for a work trip. It's my first night away from Charlotte and I already wasn't very happy about it. Last night we boarded the regional jet to take us from College Station to Dallas, but stopped after taxiing down the runway. The pilot came on the intercom and told us that the plane's second engine was broken, and apparently you can't fly (or at least you can't take-off) with only one engine. To make a long story somewhat shorter, we ended up having to wait for four hours in the gate-area until the next plane arrived, I missed my connection, had to spend the night in the airport hotel (at least it was a Grand Hyatt!) and am now anxiously counting the (3 more) hours until I get home to see Charlotte. The whole experience was pretty surreal. College Station is such a small airport that our original flight (at 6:15) was supposed to be the last flight out for the night. That meant that TSA was headed home about the time that we found out our plane was broken. Those of us who decided to wait for the next flight were locked in the gate-area, because once we exited security we wouldn't be able to get back in. The gate area had nothing but one, single-person restroom, and a vending machine. Nowhere to buy magazines, and no food of any kind. At least our very nice flight crew ordered in Little Caesar's for all of us!
After the week I've had, Paul seriously deserves the husband of the year award. Not only has he taken care of Charlotte all by himself for the past two nights, but he made these tarts as well. On Monday I had a million things to take care of before leaving, wanted to spend as much time as possible with Charlotte, and had a work call scheduled from 7-8 PM (ugggh). With some supervision/instruction on my part, Paul made these tartes along with a kale and wild rice gratin. He also took the photos for the blog post, with much more patience than I ever manage. He may have skipped making the salad I was planning on serving with the meal, and the scallops may not look anything like a petal or a flower or a pinwheel, but I'm certainly not complaining. My first comment after making these was that they're good but, seriously, what wouldn't taste good on puff pastry? Paul really loved these, he thought the scallops were perfectly cooked, so maybe I'll make them again to repay him sometime.
P.S. When this posts I'll probably still be catching up on reading everyone's posts from last week. I'm sorry! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone thought of the hens.
WOW WOW WOW. To both you AND Paul !! Ok, he definitely gets husband of the week award and in my book, is now an honorary Dorista :) That is some serious dedication. His tartes look amazing and the siding with kale is perfect. I am truly so impressed. And now your trip. Oh my. That does bring up memories of when I had to travel and the kids were younger. Always stressful to begin with - getting ready, guilt, stress of work and then goodness forbid if anything actually goes wrong. Egads. I am so glad this trip is over for you and you can put it behind you and enjoy time at home. This too shall pass and will make for wonderful stories in the future. It already made for one this week :) Pizza Pizza ! (as Little Caesar says....)
ReplyDeleteWell done Paul! Way to step in when needed and the tarts looks great. I'm not sure that anyone's scallops really looked like petals in the end. It's home cooking after all.
ReplyDeleteYour work trip sounds like a drag. I've been there. Well, not to Texas, but I imagine that airport lounges the world over are not much fun when one is delayed trying to get home.
What a nice hubby! Glad you're home safe and sound...and that you enjoyed these, too.
ReplyDeleteI’m with Tricia…Wow! What a wonderful husband you have! And kudos to you for all you had to do to be able to leave a small baby! You both did a marvelous job and Paul’s tarts look perfect! Happy Friday, Jora! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteYes, Paul definitely deserves a special meal once you have some time. Charlotte is lucky to have two such devoted parents. I liked the tart. My favorite part was the onion/bacon topping. I think you sum it up well. What wouldn't taste good on top of puff pastry? I made the no-knead rye bread this week. I added 2 Tbsp of caraway seeds, but otherwise, used the recipe you posted. It was GREAT! Thanks.
ReplyDeletePaul is a trooper! I love the way that all our families have gotten in on the French Fridays act in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you survived your first trip away from Charlotte. Paul did a wonderful job on the tarts and the gratin sounds delicious, too.
Oh man. Business travel can be such a headache. NIghts in the airport, lost luggage, miserable travel conditions, getting sick from fellow travelers. UGH. There is nothing glamorous about it, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like both of you need a treat this weekend!
Sounds like you have a well balanced relationship. Paul did a great job on the tart. So glad it was enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteWell done Paul. The tarts looks wonderful! And well done you - I know that travel snafus can be stressful - but I'm happy you got home to your beloved family!!
ReplyDeletePaul is definitely our Dorista of the week. Cook and take pictures? And how considerate of the flight crew to think about you guys and order pizza. Posts like these make me smile at how good people can be. Glad you are home safe!
ReplyDeletedelicious, must have the whole plate by myself.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT post. Welcome, Paul, to Dorista-Land. You'll love being part of the group. Your tarts look perfect (mine were a bit over, over brown). Jora, you did have the trip from hell but you came home to a good story. Charlotte probably loved being with Dad and Dad is certainly a very good cook. Nicely done, you three.
ReplyDelete