Selma’s Ruby Chard, Shitake Mushroom and Chestnut Tart

I’d like to add another post dedicated to Selma as I wanted to keep it food-related.  As we all know, Selma was the “Culinary Queen”.  I always loved how she talked about finding ingredients in her cupboard and adding them in her dishes giving a surprise element to the final product.  I loved reading her stories about her son Jake and his friends, about organizing events, her gadabouts through parts of London that she favored, her taste for ethnic foods and markets.  It was all part and parcel of what Selma was and how she came across.  She reached out to so many folks via the blogging world, helping new bloggers like myself, and making them feel welcome.

I had so many questions for her and she always responded like she had all the time in the world for you.  I believe she introduced quite a few folks to Fiesta Friday, she taught me blogging etiquette, she encouraged me to co-host, “as that would be a good way to get to know everyone”, in her words.  When Angie wrote that she was probably the one who co-hosted the most, I was not surprised.    She gave so much of herself, yet we were never to know how much pain or suffering she endured.  She never needed pity, she just went about her life.  Let’s give pause to celebrate a life that was so full, yet so short – I wish I could live by her example.

To remember Selma, I made her Ruby Chard, Shitake Mushroom and Chestnut Tart  a couple of days after her death.  Making this tart and thinking of her was my way of coming to terms with her passing. I know she would be well pleased with the outcome.  Of course, it helped that the swiss chard came from the garden, she loved cooking with fresh produce and herbs.  I added some tangy thai basil from the garden too.

Thanks Angie for creating such a wonderful environment here, and also for being able to come together as food lovers and bloggers to honor Selma.  Thanks also to Selma’s friends for being here for support.  Elaine@foodbod Jhuls@thenotsocreativecook and Sue@birgerbird.