Very rich and sophisticated, this tart will impress even your mother-in-law. It’s actually not hard at all. There are a number of layers, but each layer is very simple to produce. My dad proclaimed it better than key lime pie. If you knew how much my dad loves key lime pie, you would understand just how big a statement this is. Serve this for brunch, tea, social clubs, or as a special dessert anytime. The almond taste is very pronounced.

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On March 7, San Pellegrino is sponsoring the Almost Famous Chef Competition, where culinary students from all over the United States will compete in a food channel-type event. The winner will receive an internship with a truly famous chef. The events will be broadcast live online. As a foodie and culinary student, I like to consider myself to be an ALMOST almost famous chef. Being a “woman of a certain age” who is using her mid-life crisis to switch careers, I find such events to be very inspirational. If you read my blog, you obviously like food, and most people who like food follow the works of famous chefs. If you watch this competition, one day you can look back and say “I remember seeing xxxxxxx, when he/she was just a student. Now’s your chance to get on the bandwagon, and become a groupie of the next Emeril or Garces.

In thanks to San Pellegrino for making an almost chef’s dreams come true, here is a romantic little drink, light and refreshing, perfect for a Valentine’s day brunch. I’m also including a non-alcoholic version, since kids love fancy drinks.

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