Hello beauties! How are you today? Here we can’t complain – I was speaking at an online conference for International Women’s Day and I had been very nervous for the past few weeks: I was very excited about the invitation and also about sharing my research. But I am not good at all at public speaking, like that’s not my skill. However, I have also been invited to give a workshop with a colleague at an in-person conference in June. So I thought that if I can manage this online one, it will be good prep for the in-person one. Also, at this past online conference I prepared the presentation, I rehearsed it and it was an excellent chance for me to share my research project and my findings.

And you know what? I nailed it! Two of my colleagues were following the event and they both came after my talk to tell me that I did very well, they learned new things and also they gave a hug! The attendees at the conference left many lovely positive comments and one person also suggested that they can help progressing my research. I won’t lie: I was DRAINED after the event, but couldn’t stop because I had another event I had to attend with a colleague (that also went well!). Yesterday I was working too, so such a busy week!

And you know me, even if I’m busy I want something tasty, some kind of comfort food and it has to be easy and quick. I was so lucky to stumble upon this recipe for a Pear Almond Torte Tatin by Miyoko Schinner. I am not a fan of pears, but oh goodness this is such a great recipe! (Also, now the Pear Galette, my go-to recipe with pears, has some competition!)

Ingredients

• 3-4 pears, sliced
• 2/3 cup of brown sugar (plus 3-4 tablespoons for the caramelization)
• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus 2 tablespoons for the caramelization)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C;
2. Prepare an 8-9 in cake pan with a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom;
3. Brush the 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the paper and sprinkle the 3-4 tablespoons of brown sugar (this will help with caramelization);
4. Put the pears now: you can fan them out or just set them there without much attention (the fanning will make the end result prettier, but to be honest I just threw them there) and set aside;
5. Put the half cup of oil with the 2/3 cup of sugar and stir;
6. Sift the flour with the baking powder then add the almond flour;
7. Add half of the flour mixture to the oil mixture and stir;
8. Then add half the milk and whisk well;
9. Add the rest of the milk and the rest of the flour;
10. Add the vanilla extract;
11. Pour the batter over the pears and we’re going to put it in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
12. Check with a toothpick if it comes out clean. Flip it upside down and let cool.
13. Enjoy!

Love,

TVCL xx