there was a time when
bigger was better
to play music in your car required an 8-track
and sound had to be amplified through a boom-box
we were so excited… it was portable!
(it came with 8 “C” Cell Batteries and an extension cord!)
This was the first “iPod” prototype
only successful people had one of the first cell phones..
it sat in the middle of the three front seats in the Monte Carlo
Yes… I had this car… only 4-door and burgundy
you may have had a Big Gulp
and soon homes were Super-Sized..
just like the fries
cameras didn’t fit in purses..
so they had to be Super-Sized too…
and, eventually, Big Shoes had to match our Big Purses
and our some wallets got fatter
♥
thankfully things have gotten smaller…
cellphones fit in clutch purses
our phones are our cameras
ipods clip to your shirt
cars are smarter
but now our wallets are thinner??
(what’s with that??)
♥
I think
dessert sizes could use a little shrinking
at times
♥
good things do come in small packages
and these little Chocolate Cream Pies were so fun to make
(and eat, it was hard to stop at one.. shhh!!)
and they were easier to share
♥
Use your favorite pie crust recipe, I like the one I used for my Spring Flower Lemon Tartlets or the The Good Housewife’s No-Fail Pie Crust. Roll it out, cut out circles and press them into muffin or tart tins. Make sure to poke the bottoms with a fork and give a light egg-white wash before baking (this keeps the tart bottoms from getting soggy).
Then whip up a batch of silky Chocolate Cream Filling. This recipe comes from the “Queen of Pies” Rose Levy Beranbaum’s book, The Pie and Pastry Bible. Every single recipe I’ve tried from her collection has been spectacular, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Having said that, I found a full slice of this pie of this almost too rich to bear.. so I loved serving them in small bite sized confections. I also think it would have been prettier with a few ripe red raspberries plopped on top…
♥
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by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Love it! Pinned your delish cream pie:]
I’m pinning other recipes as well.. Pinterest is soo fun!!
amazing to see all these things again! thanks for sharing!
What a great walk down memory lane. I had the Buick version of that car Smidge, in burgundy too:) And I never thought I’d see my Dad’s first cell phone or my brother’s boom box ever again! It’s so fun to revisit those “big” things.
The Cream Chocolate Smidge (best name for a treat ever!) is adorable. It sounds yummy too, but it would take some thought on my part about eating such a pretty little goodie.
I just love your posts Smidge xoxo
A smidgen! How entirely delicious and adorable.
Me too.. I made this one for my mom when she was recovering in the hospital. Thanks Sarah! xoxo
True that my friend, I am all for the cutesy lil objects in the world
And I doubt a large version of this pie could look so beautiful
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I Wholeheartedly agree: little desserts are the way to go. Nothing like a sweet little something, a satisfying treat after dinner!
Yes, the wallet is definitely getting thinner these days! When something is really delicious, I believe that a small piece can be very satisfying (which is what I’m aiming for these days) — even though it is easy to eat a LOT like you’ve pointed out. Oh what I wouldn’t give for a little taste of that Chocolate Cream Smidgen.
i still have one 8-track tape. my gravatar is the cover of that one last 8-track.
Sometimes a stroll before dessert is just what the doctor ordered. You, Barb, took us for a walk back in Time before serving us these “Chocolate Cream Smidgen.” As much as I enjoyed looking back, I’m even more relieved that so much of that remains in the Past. (MacMansions are here to stay, I’m afraid!). And your Chocolate Cream Smidgen? Well, they’d be a hit whenever they’re served.
A wonderful post, Barb! I pinned the recipe. I want to make sure I know where it is.
I love little desserts (and anything with Smidge’s name on it). As pretty as glorious desserts may be and as tempting, a few bites in and I’m feeling pretty satisfied (or stuffed). I think your little tart’s as sweet (as in dear) as can be – and a heart that can be split between two seems so right. Prettier with raspberries? Hard to imagine!
xoxo
I know I’m showing my age, but you definitely took me back!
What a delicious smidgen! I definitely like the smaller, compact version of things, but it’s always nice to have a larger option, i.e. iPhone & iPad.
Oh, I know you are, Uru.. I bet you’re a cutesy lil gal yourself!
I love just a taste.. so it’s nice to have one and then share:)
Absolutely.. those tiny gadgets cost a fortune.. someday I’ll have a newer and “oh so fast” phone.. but in the meantime.. I can munch on these;)
I laughed when you wrote MacMansions.. that’s exactly what they are… they’re here to stay, but who can afford them once the owners start downsizing?? Thanks for pinning.. I’m starting to do much more of that! xo
Well.. maybe some of your luscious cherries, then? Those would be lovely as well… xoxo
Yes.. *sigh* showing mine as well…
I love my iPad.. much easier to read the internet on.. you’re so right on that one! xo
And they are just so pretty! I love the idea of a bite (smidgeon is the perfect size), and if it’s a perfect bite, mine is always chocolate! I enjoyed the walk through recent history, too!
Debra
Thank God for that…
I like how you always get to a recipe on the end of your posts
This heart-shaped delight looks yummy!
Wow! Went back in history there and revived many connected memories
Choc and cream on anything is great 
What a fun look back Smidge. Thankfully it was just look though.
Moving along swiftly to your heavenly Chocolate Cream Smidgen – delectable!
Mandy
Thank God for that … things has gone smaller in over all, even the world – that little “heartful” cake is so delicate and so painful full of calories, but I wouldn’t care if it came over to my desk now. Must say I love high heels and a big bags, but today we have a choice. Wonderful and thanks for this joyful and graceful (cake) post.
Forgotten … to say – wouldn’t mind if the wallet landed on my desk too .. with your cake.
This looks very much like the cornstarch based choccie pud my mother used to make. I must try this one!
Can’t eat the pie but love the post and those “bigger” pictures. Do not malign my shoes though (although I will admit his latest styles have gone the way of bigger is not better, but don’t tell him I said that) LOL
One thing that’s got bigger is TV. I go round my parents and they still have this tiny TV (well it was big back in the day) and I say why don’t you get a big TV and the old man replies, Don’t need one, as he sits there squinting at the fading tube….
I did love taking this trip down memory lane with you. Those days are so much fun to look back on. Your dessert is as pretty as a picture! Just love your presentation and styling. Gorgeous! xx
What a fun post! This tart is just beautiful.
I could do with one (or two) of those right now
Another delicious post!
My friend and I were on the small side and she used to say, “Dynamite comes in small packages!” POW!
Love the recipe! Have a “sweet” weekend!
Well, that’s just something.. I don’t have a single one!
Maybe I should say week! I am getting ahead of myself! Hahaha!
Yes.. who needs crust;)
Oooh… you have a pair!! *longing*
Hahaha.. my Dad’s the same! When he does finally upgrade he’s so amazed!!
Hahaha.. it already feels like it should be the weekend!! Yeesh!!
got nothing to play it on though. and, unlike you, i am old enough to have played and bought them regularly.
That post sure takes me back, thank you! That was some brick of a phone; Ihad a girlfriend in high school who was dating a dude with one. So cool at the time, you had to use an operator to make a call.
I recall our first cell phone was a motorola that was about that size. And the price tag was similar to boot! UGH.
I have the same little heart shaped tart pans; these little desserts look and sound marvelous.
Smidge, if you could possibly do me a favor? I’m not seeing my comment from yesterday in your flow. I spent a lot of time reading and leaving comments yesterday, and I’m realizing that any I sent from my iPad aren’t appearing. That seems a little suspicious to me, but in case it’s only a “display matter” from my end, if you would check it would help me track down my problem. It is most discouraging! The “likes” seem to have gone through, but not the comments! It’s always something, isn’t it? To repeat my comments from yesterday in the most abbreviated manner possible…”Yum!” LOL! Debra
Very witty intro and a totally delectable recipe, thanks Smidge!
From where we all came to now… I can’t imagine the near future… Bigger isn’t always better yes, but seems to me it wouldn’t be anything to express like bigger or smaller in the future… Much more science fictional images coming my mind
No need to carry anything with us… even no need a car… etc. IMAGINE…
Thank you dear Barbara, as always your romantic touches feed my soul… Of course I take a note of this recipe… so beautiful and so delicious. Love, nia
Not me; carbs. LOL!
Thanks, Mandy
Yes… it was my boyfriend/husband who had the first one I saw that looked like this.. Too funny they were so big!! I’m not sure cellphones are much cheaper these days.. only if you lock into a big plan!
Wow.. this sure has me thinking, nia.. you’re right, everything will be at the touch of a hand to purchase.. etc.. xo
Looks like the perfect chocolatey, creamy, flaky bite
Small is beautiful! Your dessert is testament to that saying Smidge. And yes, I can see ho weasy those would be to share
Oh, those boom boxes….and the guys holding them thought they were so cool. I’m still laughing. Can’t wait to try out the recipe. Looks yummy!
Oh, these look just like a right-size-super-deliciousness!
I still like my shoes big though.
And Smidge your desserts are always a thing of beauty. I think you would run a fantastic bakery!
Me too:) Well.. ballet flats are kind of nice as well;) xx I’d love a bakery!!
Love these mini-bites of goodness – I KNOW I would not have been able to stop at one. (Oh and you are giving me some major flashbacks!)
These are such pretty chocolate cream tarts – I love the way you style your food. I smiled when I saw the super sized phone – it’s now hard to believe that people actually carried them around all day, they must have been heavy.
So glad I found your blog! I’m very grateful for all our tinier versioned essentials we have these days, and this smidgen of a dessert looks amazing!
Love the chocolate treat and so glad I never had to drive a boat for a car:) Have a Beautiful Day!
I agree Smidge…smaller is smarter..and yum…will have to put aside my diet for these…xo
Really loved this post and the stroll down memory lane. As far as I recall, shoulder pads and hair were also a lot bigger back then too! Love this recipe as I am not a huge chocolate fan but sometimes just want a little mouthful to satisfy the craving…..this is perfect!
Beautiful and delicious
I loved your post
hahaha! I loved this post and of course the bonus recipe!
Great post, Smidge.
Another extraordinarily beautiful smidgen from you, Smidge!
xo
These are gorgeous with the chocolate shavings and the heart shape makes them extra special (Do you have heart-shaped mini-pans? Yes, of course you would). I agree with you that fresh raspberries would be stunning and tasty. Or blackberries — blackberry and chocolate are divine together. One of each? Why choose?
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back!