During this pandemic, and especially during the lockdown, a lot of people decided to adopt or foster a dog. I think this is an amazing idea, because dogs really are a person’s best friend. I should know– I’ve had a few, and I would love nothing more than to tell you why you should get one too.
Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals in the world. This is because they are so sweet, expressive, and friendly. They are always there for you when you need them, and they will always take the love you give to them and return it back tenfold.
Dogs give you a reason to get outside and walk. They need this for their health and it will make you healthier as well. Walking a dog daily gets both your heart rates up and helps you de-stress. According to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, walking your dog 20 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease. How convenient is that?
They are always happy. Dogs get excited when they see a treat, their favorite toy, or their favorite person. Their happiness is infectious and it is always good to have someone happy to see you when you get home (especially if you have teenage children, lol).
They make you laugh. Dogs can be downright hilarious. Whether they sleep in funny positions, roll off the couch, scarf down some people food, or insist they sit on your lap no matter what, you’re sure to get a belly laugh. It gives us pleasure to see them enjoying running after a ball or just dashing around your house for no reason.
They are very intelligent. Of all the pets out there, dogs can be some of the smartest. They have a very good understanding of things that other animals do not. This makes it easy for them to understand you and your feelings because of their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing.
Some breeds make excellent watchdogs. They innately know when something bad is coming your way. Their barking will stop potential burglars and are very good at alerting you to something that is going on that is odd or suspicious. With proper training, a guard dog could be a huge asset to your family.
No matter what, you will have an incredible bond with your dog. These magical, euphoric feels that emerge that are not just in your imagination. Locking eyes with your furry friend and watching him gaze back at you so lovingly increases the release of oxytocin, which is our “feel good drug.”
If you rescued a dog, I would love to hear from you! How did you find your pet? What was their situation like before? Did you adopt a puppy or adult dog? What’s your favorite thing about them?
On to the recipe for today.
These tarts are so delicious. They have very few ingredients and are so easy to make. The honey and sugar really brings out the sweetness of the pears as they bake. They are housed in a light and fluffy pastry, which combines beautifully with the fruit. There is pure deliciousness in every bite, and although you didn’t have to work so hard to make them, they taste as if you have been baking all day. What a win! Though it sounds strange, don’t skimp on the salt in this recipe, it really brightens the entire taste of these yummy tarts.
Just a few notes, I used pears for these tarts, although there are several different fruits you can choose to use, including plums, apricots, and peaches. I also used more like 4 tablespoons of honey, because I really wanted the pears coated completely– so delicious!
This recipe is my own and will make six personal tarts for people who will enjoy this fancy looking dessert.
Ingredients for Pear Tarts with Honey:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
1 pound pears (or any fruit of your choice) cut into ½” wedges
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons of ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon honey
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
Preheat oven to 425°.
Cut pastry into six or eight 4” squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick all over with a fork.
Top with plums, leaving a ½” border.
Mix the cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl.
Sprinkle with sugar and honey; season with the cinnamon and nutmeg and a few grinds of pepper.
Bake tarts, rotating pan halfway through, until edges of pastry are puffed and golden brown, 25–30 minutes.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt just before serving.
You can also try sprinkling on a little goat cheese to boost the flavor too!
It’s that simple!
Mazel
