It must have been a Tuesday in August. I was in a supreme rush to get to an appointment on time and with as little sweat running down my back as possible. Before the appointment and the sweating, I had to make a Banana Tarte Tatin. I say ‘had to’ because I was both inspired and compelled… self-pressure. Problem: I had 1 hour to make it, shoot it, and quickly stash it somewhere Tron wouldn’t find it. Luckily he can’t yet open the refrigerator. I made the tarte tatin. I hurried, I rushed, I nearly burnt myself, I used a lot of profanity, I rushed off to my appointment, I sweat everywhere. Whatever…
The tarte tatin was INCREDIBLE. I know because I showed a piece, literally torn from the tart, into my mouth, standing over the sink, with my car keys in my hand.
Upon returning from my appointment I realized that my step-by-step photos were an abomination… an actual abomination… and the only decent and delicious photo was one single shot I took with sticky fingers on my iPhone.
I don’t want you to be without this tarte. Please. Do this, and eat it like a civilized person… not holding your car keys, not bent over a sink. Banana Tarte Tatin. Very important note: I added rum.
It’s Sunday. Let’s be ourselves:
• There is reward in just being: Being Not Doing.
• I loved these words from David Leite about the restaurant on the 106th and 107th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center: Windows On The World.
• A beautifully thoughtful TED Talk: What really matters at the end of life. I’m left thinking about suffering, compassion, and a shift in perspective.
• I woke up last weekend and decided I needed some words of encouragement from Oprah. Here’s 20 Years of Oprah Lessons
• I told you I was on an Oprah kick. This is such an interesting conversation: Alanis Morissette on Super Soul Sunday.
• Jessica went to Havana for us and came back with the scoop! An American’s Guide To Havana
• Tennis champion Mardy Fish on pressure and anxiety: The Weight.
• Fossils found in African cave are new species of human kin. Science is exciting!
• The Sunniest Climate Change Story You’ve Ever Read. What are we going to do? (Besides keep destroying our precious home.)
• This reality is hard for me to imagine. The Queen, queening.
• “The dream of the Venus-Serena match is that, in watching them play each other, we might catch some unmediated glimpse of them as tennis players and women, of their private selves and the unspoken aspects of their sisterhood.” Serena and Venus: What’s It Like?
• Related: Roberta Vinci kicked ass like whoa!
• I’m always excited by a book list. Have you read any of these? 9 books that will keep your attention to the very last page.
• x = -b plus or minus the square root of b-squared mine 4ac divided by 2a. Solve for x. BUT WHY!?!? A word about raising teenagers.
• I’ve had this Chocolate Cherry Walnut Torte tab open in my browser all week and I can’t bring myself to close that tab until the cake magically appears in my kitchen.
• I’m mostly wearing menswear these days and I love this waxed canvas jacket!
• I’m baking from Sarah Coates‘ new cookbook next week! The Sugar Hit!
We are young. Heartache to heartache. We stand.
Love is a battlefield.
Happy Sunday!
xo Joy
Rachel
Who doesn’t love Sunday? Or cherries and chocolate? You’re always a wealth of information… especially about that important stuff. Thanks Joy.
Jennifer Stevens
How do you find all these great sites?? I’m genuinely curious. You always share the absolute best of the web. Thanks for the inspirational bits and the TED Talk. Finding a way to integrate it into my homeroom activities :)
http://www.adventurousappetite.com
Amanda
It brings me joy (Joy) when you quote songs (mainly because I do all day everyday) Oprah will be helping me start my week on a good note!
nancy k
I laughed when I read that you had to find a place to hide the tarte tatin. It brought back memories of my very first cat, Hoosier, a big, smart tuxedo.Somehow, he taught himself to open the refrigerator door. He would roll onto his back and use his paws to pull the door open from the bottom..it was a top freezer model. He would then help himself to whatever was his pleasure. Unfortunately, he never taught himself to close the door so until I figured out a way to prevent his foraging, I often arrive home to an open door and spoiled food. The solution was a bungie cord, hooked over the freezer handle and the door handle. He just did not have the strength to open the combined doors.
Sarah
Hi Joy, you’re dope. I’ve followed your blog for years and feel like we’re friends :)
joythebaker
we are!
xoxobellablog
I love reading all your bits and pieces. That cherry torte looks so sinful!
xoxoBella | https://xoxobella.com
Karen
Thanks for the book list. I will probably get all of them as they sound so good. Just the type of book that I like to read.
Lori
WE WERE LIARS… Favorite novel I’ve read this year.
joythebaker
I really need to read that one!
Aisha
Spending my Sunday in this gorgeous house in New Orleans. I totally get why you moved here.
Erin
Just being not doing was beautiful. I watched it just as I was about to start my to-do list for the day, then I set it aside.
Haley
For some reason, every time you post a link to a article of clothing you like, it always shows up “Google homepage” for me. :( I need to see your fun blazers & coats!
Mr. David Leite
Thank you, m’dear. I appreciate the kind shout out on the remembrance of 9/11 and Windows on the World.
Sara
What a great list! When will you podcast again? Missing that!
bhvhankes
Joy, I just finished a really enjoyable book called “My Two Italies” by Joseph Luzzi. It’s part memoir, part Italian history, and written in an interesting cyclical pattern. Not sure if it’d appeal to you, but thought I’d mention it!
Eliza
Now you’ve got me joining you in waiting for the magical appearance of that torte.