Courtesy of Jim Hyslop

Tarts RICOTTA & SPINACH

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 clove garlic, minced • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese • 2 eggs (1 each for filling and egg wash) • Olive oil & cooking spray • 6 cup muffin tin

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cut into 6 squares • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 2 cups fresh spinach, blanched • 1 yellow onion, finely diced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep your tin by lightly greasing it with cooking spray. 2. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the spinach and cook on low for 5 minutes until fully wilted. 3. Wrap the cooked spinach mixture in paper towel, squeeze out excess moisture. 4. For the filling whisk together the ricotta, one egg, parmesan, salt, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Fold in the dry spinach mixture until fully combined. 5. Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley and red pepper flakes. 6. Press the 6 pastry squares gently into the muffin holes. Set aside. 7. Spoon the mixture evenly into the pastry cases. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. 7. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

No muffin tin? Make a rustic galette instead! Lay the pastry flat on a baking paper-lined tray, pile the filling in the centre, leaving a 1-inch border, fold the edges inward and bake 20 minutes. Try adding crumbled feta, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon or shredded roast chicken!

DO THE BEST YOU CAN UNTIL YOU KNOW BETTER. THEN WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER.”

MAYA ANGELOU

CAPTURE SUMMER’S GOLDEN HOUR

Picture a gorgeous summer day. The sun is low in the sky and everything is bathed in a warm golden glow. Photographers call this magical window the golden hour. It occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun casts a soft, flattering light that enhances colours and reduces harsh shadows. The result is brighter, more professional-looking photos that can make even smartphone shots stand out. Whether you’re photographing a home for sale, capturing staging photos or preserving special outdoor memories, summer offers ideal conditions. Longer days mean more daylight hours to work with and a wider window to find the perfect lighting. Landscapes appear richer, outdoor spaces feel more inviting and details are highlighted in a natural, appealing way. Taking advantage of the golden hour can instantly elevate your images and help create a lasting impression.

Quick Tip: Position the sun behind your subject for a dramatic silhouette or use side lighting to add depth, texture and dimension to your photos.