Treat of the Week: A Luscious Lemon Tart

No one can deny that Spring is in the air when presented with an exquisite lemon tart such as this one. Fresh lemon gives the tart’s custard a light, citrus taste which brings immediate thoughts of sunshine and blooming trees. And, what goes better with lemon than whipped cream and raspberries. After dusting the finished tart with confectioner’s sugar, my mother carefully piped freshly whipped cream into swirling peaks which supported plump, ripe raspberries.


Of course, everything good needs a great foundation and this tart has one of the best possible foundations. The crust is a delicate layer of crushed pecan cookies which offer a gorgeous texture, richness and mellow flavor—the perfect complement to the bright citrus burst of the custard.

Even if there’s still a chill in the air where you live, a tart like this will drive the winter out of the corners. To make your own, you’ll find a variety of excellent custard tart recipes online. See what you can come up with and don’t be afraid to change things up. The best recipes are those that you make your own.

Sculpture of the Day: Bust of King George V, 1935

Bust of King George V
Kathleen Scott, 1935
Bronze on marble plinth
The Royal Collection

Kathleen Scott, the Baroness Kennet, often was overshadowed by her famous husband, the Antarctic explorer, Captain Robert Scott. However, the Baroness was worthy of celebration in her own right. An extremely talented sculptor, Scott created many beautiful figures of the most powerful men of her day.


This bust of King George V was created by Scott in 1935 after His Majesty sat for the sculptor in March of that year. The finished piece was presented as a gift to Queen Mary (of Teck) in June of 1935.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 206

Marie shrieked wildly as she raised a bloody hand to her face. “You cut me! You lunatic!”


“Go!” Marjani shouted to Charles and Barbara.

“Come with me, Miss Allen.” Charles said, putting his arm around Barbara’s waist.

“And take my child to Julian? Never.” Barbara dug in her heels.

“Would you have him raised by Marie Laveau?” Charles bellowed.

Barbara grunted and headed from the courtyard. Charles followed close behind.

“Now, it’s just you and me, Marie Laveau.” Marjani narrowed her eyes.

“What kind of magic is this?” Marie moaned, studying the cuts on her hands and wrists where the glass from the shattered orb had become imbedded.

“It ain’t magic, woman.” Marjani smiled. “It’s science. That’s somethin’ far more permanent.”

“You done made yourself a powerful enemy, Girl.” Marie groaned, pressing her wounded hands into her dress.

“I ain’t afraid o’ you.” Marjani shook her head.

“You should be.” Marie hissed. “Listen to me, Girl. You think you’re above us all because you got your freedom. My curse—my curse to you is that you remain a slave forever. You will be forever sweating and toiling! You will never rise above the dirt that you are.”

“As you done said yourself, woman, ‘dirt don’t burn.’”

“No, Girl, but it washes away. It washes away.” Marie growled.

“Tend to your wounds, witch.” Marjani spat as she walked away. “Maybe them snakes you wriggle with can heal ya.”

“You’ll pay for this!” Marie shouted. “You’ll pay dearly! You’ll never sleep, Girl! Never! And when you take to your bed, that last time, you’ll die in the heat of the earth!”

“Do your worst, woman.” Marjani laughed as she hurried off.

Marjani strained her eyes to find Charles and Barbara. Across Jackson Square, she spotted Barbara’s blonde wig as the woman rushed away with Charles. But, that wasn’t all Marjani saw. Several yards in front of her, she noticed Robert and Mr. Punch.

“Dr. Halifax!” Marjani shouted. “They’re over there!” She pointed wildly.

Robert heard Marjani and grabbed Mr. Punch’s arm. They rushed toward Barbara and Charles.

“No!” Barbara growled as Punch and Robert approached her.

“It’s for the best, Barbara,” Mr. Punch said. “We can give him the life what he deserves.”

“It’s true, Miss Allen.” Charles said softly.

“Traitor!” Barbara spat. “Traitor!”

“Give us the child, Barbara.” Robert said calmly. “You want him to have a chance, don’t you?”

Barbara began to sob. “I want him to have his mother.”

“You did your part, you did.” Mr. Punch replied. “You gave him life, now let us take care of it. You know you’re not capable of raising this child, you’re not.”

“And you are?” Barbara whimpered, tears rolling down her cheeks. “You? You think you’re a puppet!”

“No matter what I am,” Mr. Punch answered gently. “I’m more whole than you are.”

“God help me.” Barbara murmured.

“Let Colin have a chance,” Charles whispered in her ear.

Barbara looked at her child for several moments, running her finger down his soft, pink cheek.

“My son.” Barbara moaned.

“Nothin’ will ever change that. He’ll always be your son. You done well.” Mr. Punch said. “Now, let us take care of him.”

Barbara closed her eyes and hugged her baby.

Charles, Robert and Punch watched her closely.

“Take him,” Barbara croaked, barely audible. “Hurry.”

Robert took the child from Barbara who buried her face in Charles’ chest.

Mr. Punch locked eyes with Charles and silently told him to look after Barbara.

As Punch and Robert quietly walked off with the baby, Charles embraced Barbara whose tears fell to the stones of the square.



Did you miss Chapters 1-205? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Endure Set-backs Gracefully

Sometimes circumstances don’t cooperate with us. Whether it’s technical difficulties or scheduling conflicts, life doesn’t always plot out the way we anticipated or the way we want. But, we owe it to ourselves to be patient and to look toward a good resolution.


Just as Bertie went outside despite the rain this morning, we, too can forge ahead without worry. As was the case with him, so it is with all of us—human or canine. There’s always a cookie waiting for us when we’ve finished our unpleasant business.

Object of the Day: A Pair of Unique Bristol Glass Vases

These delicate Bristol Glass vases show that Victorian design ranged from simple elegance to the grandest of opulence. With their traditional milk-white color, these vases rely on form and shape. The silhouette mimics classical pottery, but adds a distinctly Victorian flare with the pointed scallops at the top of each.


Understated gold detailing completes the look. This pair would have acted as a garniture on a mantle or sideboard and would have acted as the perfect accent to more ornate lusters or more brightly-colored items.

Sunday Technical Difficulties

After three hours of trying to post the usual Sunday updates to Stalking the Belle Époque, I’ve encountered some frustrating technical issues. It seems that Blogger, for some reason, isn’t cooperating. Photos in posts are not showing when published. I managed to slip the image of “The Greater George” in the post below, but they’re just not showing up in other posts. Being as this is a Web site about the Arts and Humanities, it’s rather imperative that we have something to look at.


I’m not alone in this issue. Many people have encountered and reported the same difficulty. So, I think we’ll take a break today from the usual update and start anew tomorrow. But, not to worry, you won’t miss out on anything. I’ll include the items from today in new posts throughout the week.

Here’s wishing everyone a great Sunday!

Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

This week, we’ll be jumping between some of the world’s most beautiful locations as we visit the Teatro Massimo di Palermo in Italy, the amazing museums of Liverpool and the astounding art collections of London. On the docket this week are gorgeous paintings from the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, some beautiful Classical sculptures, and a look at how the spirit of the Belle Époque is kept alive by contemporary artists.

We’ll also have a chance to see some of the beautiful private gem collections that most people never have a chance to see. Speaking of gems and jewelers, Punch’s Cousin will continue with Chapter 206. And, of course, we’ll learn some more about the eternally young Mr. Punch as we view an unusual representation of the beloved puppet figure.

A rousing song from the era of the First World War, two vintage films and a look at two exceptional people whose hard word and dedication make a huge difference in our world are also in store for you.

Though, in some places, evidence of springtime is at a minimum, we’ll be making things bright and warm here at Stalking the Belle Époque. As our imaginations bloom, so will our hearts.