Heirloom Tomato Tarts

Eva Marie — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:56:33 GMT

Many of my blog posts begin a month or two before they’re published. Most of the recipes, like this one, come from my days running my store and catering business, Ruchetta. I still test each recipe a couple of times, photograph and film the process, edit the photos, write the post, and finally hit publish.

In the spirit of keeping things real, I did all of that at the beginning of June. My husband and I were in the process of selling our apartment in Portugal (more on that later) and getting ready to spend the summer traveling through France and Italy.

Sometimes life has different plans.

My beloved stepmother became gravely ill, so I flew to Phoenix for two weeks to be with my brother and my ninety-four-year-old father, and to say goodbye to Carolyn.

This was not the summer I had imagined, and while I missed my husband and Luna, our lap-cat, I wouldn’t have been anyplace else, because coming together with loved ones in times of celebration, but also in times of sadness and need, is the real stuff of life.

A few days ago, I flew back to Europe, where I met up with my husband, son, and his family in the south of France. I’ll have time here to grieve, regroup, and spend precious time with my granddaughter. Life carries on through times like these, leaving us with perspective and a deeper appreciation for the small, quiet moments when we can simply take a breath.

With all that in mind, I still wanted to share this recipe and blog post from June. It was inspired by my travels through France, and it’s such a beautiful way to enjoy the juicy tomatoes ripening now in gardens and at market stands.

Heirloom Tomato Tarts

This one's inspired by the simplicity of French home cooking — cuisine du terroir, the kind of thing you'd find on a table in the Provençal countryside rather than in a fancy restaurant. Thick slices of ripe tomato roasted on buttery pastry, a swipe of Dijon, a scatter of Gruyère and herbs. Simple and delicious.

You can find the full recipe here on the blog.

Until next time,

From the Archive

Nectarine and Orange Salad

Mediterranean Flatbread Sandwiches

A Nourished Life Recipes

Traveling With A Side of Plan B

Eva Marie — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:27:08 GMT

Lately, we’ve been chasing a little light and adventure.

We packed up the car and set out on a long road trip through France. The kind of journey where the days stretch out ahead of you, loosely planned, with just enough structure to feel grounded, but enough space to let things unfold… and for a plan B when a flat tire or two sidelines you.

There’s something uniquely special about traveling in Europe. The countries are small, so you can move from one to another with relative ease, experiencing a variety of cultures and gastronomic styles along the way. From Portugal to Spain, and now France, each carries its own distinct and indelible character.

Food That Travels… and Entertains Well

Before we left, I made a simple French lentil salad and packed it into recycled Bonne Maman jars. It felt practical, but also a little charming.

The first night, we stopped in Madrid. We arrived late, too tired to go out, and instead laid everything out on the bed — bread, lentils, and a soft French goat cheese we had tucked into our bag, and had an impromptu picnic dinner.

It was simple, fun, and just a little romantic.

And this recipe, while perfect for travel, works just as beautifully for entertaining.

What I’m Cooking Right Now

Recipes with a French connection, either by flavor or feeling.

Dishes like the Orange Blackberry Scones with Rosemary, which aren’t traditionally French, but carry the essence of Provence through their ingredients.

And simple, elegant plates like Smoked Carrots with lemony whipped ricotta and a drizzle of harissa, distinct, vibrant flavors that welcome the arrival of spring.

Featured Recipes

French Lentil Salad with Walnut–Shallot Vinaigrette

A nourishing salad layered with lentils, charred leeks, sun-dried tomatoes, sultanas, herbs, and walnuts, finished with a bright, balanced vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, make-ahead entertaining, or travel.

This is the one we took on the road.

Read the Post & Recipe