The other day after going to bed at 3 a.m. we were rudely awakened at 8 a.m., by someone representing the new owners of our building. She handed us a legal document. I was a little unnerved.
I was surprised to read that we have to move at the end of our lease in August. The bad part is that we work across the street, and we live in the most convenient center of town. I realized that we will legally be owed 3 months rent plus moving expenses. This makes it much easier to except. The commuting is a nightmare in Montreal. Rental prices are increasing.
Before knowing we would have to move in August, I purchased a countertop oven so I can get the baking experience again, even though I don't consider myself a baker at all. The oven is pretty small but better than nothing. My regular oven has been without an oven element for several months now, having a top element for broiling. I was not planning on calling the building manager to fix it. We don't like having people knock on our door and coming in.
With some Granny Smiths from the markdown bin and some other ingredients from my cupboard I was able to make an apple tart. I used ground almonds in the crust rather than buy a bag of almond flour which was 16 dollars. I just ground up almonds that I had in the cupboard. I also ground up some oat flakes.
Apple tart
Crust
1 cup ground almonds
1 cup ground oats
1cup soaked dates
3 tablespoons vegan butter
Squeeze of lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Put in a Processor and mix to a dough.
Cover and set aside.
Slice the apples and coat with cornstarch cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste. I used coconut sugar. I added a bit of lemon juice and a teaspoon of vanilla as well.
I don't follow recipes, I just add what I think I should. I taste as I go. This worked out.
Press the dough into the tart or pie tin. I had a very small tart tin which left me second ball of dough. I put it in the freezer for another time.
I placed the apples in the shell and sprinkled extra cinnamon on top. I really like cinnamon and apples.
I left the tart in the oven for around 1/2 an hour. This was my first time using the oven and didn't realize I should turn it around in the middle of cooking. The heat isn't even. Oops. Not much harm done. the bottom was fine.
I made a quick sauce with dates and lemon juice and vanilla. It wasn't necessary but Marc was happy for it.
It's true that sweet is addictive. Once I start I want to continue. It's something I have to get out of my system or I won't feel well afterwards.
With the winter keeping us from wanting to go outside and not being allowed to go anywhere, like restaurants (we don't have the special papers to dine in) or entertainment of any kind, we need to entertain ourselves. This is where a slice of pie comes to the rescue.
Wow! Lovely apple tart! This is very expensive here!!
I must learn to make one myself!
If I had mango trees I wouldn't even think about this haha.
Aha! Mango tarts!! You have to show us how to make mango tart.
Wonderful recipe, thanks for sharing my friend @carolynstahl
Thank you too my friend!
Apple tart looks good. I would try it.. So are you apartment hunting? Thought you would be more upset...🙃
We have until the end of August and they have to pay us 3 months rent by law which will be over 3000 dollars in our pocket plus moving expenses. They sold the building.
I hope you find a better and easier place for your job. I do not like moving places, but sometimes new places can be better and more enjoyable. Your plate always captures how I want to taste it. Wish you all the best my friend.
Thank you dear friend. We live across the street from work so anything else is farther away. That's life.
That's a bad way to start a day without having even had breakfast. I hope all the moving thing goes well for you an find a convenient place.
That apple tart looks great! Definitely makes things sweeter.
Thank you. They are paying us to leave so it is okay.
What terrible news! And a horrible way to begin the day @carolynstahl. I would've also done some baking for comfort eating. This apple tart looks perfectly delicious. Have you ever swapped out the oats for coconut flour as a gluten free option? I think I'm going to try that . I always make crumble or sponge cake on TOP of apples
Oh I'm glad you mentioned coconut flour. I have passed by it many times in the store and wonder how it would work. I'm getting some today. It's a sign that you mention it. I am wanting to experiment with different flours. I just tried almond flour for the first time in my life. I just love it but it's extremely expensive.
Thank you @buckaroobaby
Coconut flour is one of my favourites. Especially in baking. I hope you love it. I'm not a lover of most gluten free flours but the texture and taste of coconut flour is wonderful. Almond flour is also extremely expensive here. But I found a nut distributor and buy bulk for reasonable prices then I soak and mill the almonds myself
Oh my gawsh! Your food always looks delicious 🤤
Sorry to hear about the moving out part though. At least there's the 3 month rental and holding thumbs that you find something reasonable, price and travel wise.
You're too kind. Yes I love the 3 month bonus but we are really in the dark about where to go. Anyway it's part of my crazy journey in this crazy life.
Beautiful food and it must be delicious 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you very much!
That's the pits, that you have to move from such a convenient location. At least they gave you plenty of warning! Did they at least say why your lease would not be renewed? Like, perhaps the new owner has plans to remodel the entire building, maybe for some other purpose? Congrats on the countertop oven! I have one and use it every day because it is so much more convenient and heats faster than the big wall-mounted oven! Your tart looks scrumptious! 😋
Thank you so much. I think they are turning it into a commercial building. Anyway getting paid 3 months rent softens the blow haha. It's going to be more than 3 thousand dollars so not bad.
Yes, that is good, and being paid moving expenses, too, is amazing! I will keep my fingers crossed that you can find a cozy, affordable little place somewhere nearby!
Hi @carolynstahl moving involves a lot of stress, I hope you find a place near your work, the cake looks delicious, mainly because of the apple slices.
Happy afternoon.
Thank you so much. Yeah I think we may go a little further and see if we can spend less money but who knows. We have some time yet.
Thanks for the support!
I hope you are able to resolve your housing issues in the best way for your well-being. At least you have been given some notice, so that you have a chance to look for a good place.
Regarding the vegan apple pie, it is really delicious; the use of almond flour certainly enriches the preparation and gives it a deeper flavor. Thanks for sharing your recipe on Plant Power (Vegan). Regards.
Thank you so much! We are always end up fine. We go with the flow.😊
Pretty good for the first time Carolyn. And It takes only 15 minutes to bake a tart, but no turning over. Not a tart! Nevertheless, looks delicious 💖😋💖