This past weekend I had to say goodbye to the little furball who has been keeping me company for the past 11 years. It was a very difficult decision to make and one that I struggled with as he got sicker and sicker. How could I be sure that we had done everything we could? At what point was my reluctance to let him go doing him more harm than good?
This particular furball apparently never got the memo that cats are supposed to be loners because he would greet me at the door every day when I arrived home and follow me from room to room until I left again. My husband called him my stalker. Whenever I was in the kitchen cooking, my stalker would settle himself on a chair to watch the goings on, offering his assistance only if he heard the sound of a can being opened.
So this week’s French Fridays with Dorie recipe, Tomato-Cheese Tartlets, was set to be my first foray into the kitchen without my stalker. Between that, a hectic work week, and the fact that the recipes were posted late, I had basically given this week up for lost. But then, Thursday night I curiously opened the book to see what the recipe was all about, and was shocked to discover that I actually had everything I needed in the fridge. Even puff pastry! Only since joining FFwD do I just happen to have puff pasty hanging out in my freezer. Not just that, but it looked easy enough, so why not give it a go?
I’m not going to lie, cooking without my stalker was a little weird. But this was a simple and delicious recipe which I am so happy not to have missed. As Dorie points out, the possibilities are endless and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of inspiration my fellow Doristas can give me for next time.
one expat's life 
So so sorry about your news :(((Our Cleo is a bit of a sheepdog too with all sorts of “jobs” she simply must do so I understand the stalker mentality in cats! I’m sure he’s looking down on these tartlets licking his lips. xo
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Our little sous chef is a constant companion as well and I sure would miss her if she weren’t there to talk to while I cook. Your tarts do look good though. Your stalker would be proud.
Aw, I’m so sorry that your stalker is no longer with you 😦 Sending you a big hug….
PS…your tarts look beautiful!
Oh, so sorry to hear about your furry stalker. Sending another hug to you.
Beautiful tart, glad you liked it!
I am sorry to hear about your loss 😦 I used to have two cats that acted more like dogs than cats in the personality arena. They even came when you called them. Until those two, I never realized how endearing felines could be.
I like the way you arranged your tart.
So sorry about your loss. He looks like such a perfect little sous chef. Glad that you didn’t miss out on this week’s recipe – it really is a good one!
Rose, so sorry to hear about your cat! But it is wonderful that you found the time to participate this week. Your Tomato-Cheese Tartlets look fabulous! Pesto is always such a wonderful addition!
Hope you will be feeling a bit better this weekend! One big fat hug!
Oh, Rose, I’m so sorry about your kitty! I can’t even bear to think of losing my Braveheart. Despite everything, your tarts look just perfect. We had everything on-hand, too – aren’t we just Doristas?!? Hugs to you!
For such a simple recipe, I actually had nothing on hand except the basil that was growing
on my patio. That said, it was a great recipe and your tartlets look wonderful. So sorry for
your loss, animals really do become part of the family, don’t they?
Awww Rose, So sorry about your cat. I know how hard it is…I had to put my dog down 2 years ago.
You did a great job on these tartlets!! They look lovely! I’m so glad you were able to join us and that you enjoyed them! These are a great to throw together last minute! Again, so sorry for your loss. Enjoy your weekend!
Sorry to hear about your little buddy – it’s tough when that happens. Glad you enjoyed these tarts.
Sorry you lost your buddy. Not good.
Your tarts do look good though (really much better than good!). Glad that you enjoyed them. I thought they were really tasty.
Sorry to hear about your furry kitchen buddy. Your tarts look tasty, though!
I’m sorry about your little stalker. Letting go of one’s pets is much harder than it’s given credit for in our culture.
Losing a pet, Rose, is the worst. From what you said, you obviously made the right choice. Long ago, someone told me, regarding my dogs, to do what is best for the dog, and not myself. Sometimes we think we’re holding on for their sake when it’s only for ours. I lost Belle, my third and last Golden Retreiver, several years ago and still miss her. So sorry but happy you went back into the kitchen and participated this week. Hang in there.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. My childhood cat Molly lived a good long life of 18 years so I thought I would be really prepared to lose her but it was still really hard. It’s super weird to sleep at my parents’ house without her still and it’s been almost 4 years. It’s so nice that you didn’t even have to run to the store to do this easy-peasy & delicious recipe though – the tarts look really cute!
Oh, that’s so sad. I’m so sorry to hear that! Sounds like you had to make a very difficult and selfless decision. I’d like to think he was there in spirit.
Your tartlets look perfect!
So sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our family dog last summer and I still find myself looking for him whenever I’m at my parents’ house. It definitely sounds like you made the selfless decision.
I’m impressed that you still made the tartlets, they look beautiful.