I lost my dad a week ago. He had just been here, fortunately with my whole family, to celebrate his 79th birthday just a week before that. We knew he wasn’t doing all that well, but certainly didn’t expect him to drop dead so suddenly. I wandered around in shock for a few days, not really wanting to cook, until I had a cooking dinner party event to do four days after his death. As I rolled out the crust for the tart I would serve at the event, I found I had a scrap left and suddenly had a craving. My dad loved pies, and I’m sure he would have approved of a comforting individual apple tart for breakfast.My dad was a great guy – just ask anybody. He loved life, loved people, and gave of himself. He played Santa for most of his adult life in every community he lived. In the past many years, once his hair was completely white, he would grow a beard beginning in August so that he really looked the part in December. His favorite ever Santa story was the little boy who asked for a camper for Christmas. When my dad replied by asking if he and his family went camping he shouted, “No Santa! That’s why we need the camper!” I’ll miss my dad every day, but am thankful he lived such a full life and thankful he didn’t suffer in the end.Roll out a small piece of dough to form a six-inch circle.Dice a peeled apple and toss with cinnamon sugar. Mound in the center of the dough and fold up the edges to form a roughly shaped tart. Dot with butter.Bake at 350 degrees until the apples are soft and the crust is crisp, about 45 minutes. Eat warm and enjoy.

Today we’ll celebrate my dad’s life at his memorial service. Love you always dad. XO