Time is always ticking.

We are either spending time on getting work done. Spending time with family and friends. Or my least favourite spending needless time on things that no one even notices.

My favourite thing to do is to minimise "my time in the kitchen. I love to multitask.  I have always been a big believer in multitasking and if you have kids, you are already doing it but just not taking the time to notice.

I have to limit my multi-tasking down to 4 things at a time. If I try to add that 5th task, something is sure to go astray. I might be able to help a kid with their homework, answer a quick phone call and fold clothes whilst baking something in the oven. However, if I try to add the 5th task like cooking something on the stove top to that equation, oh my that is when things can go terribly wrong.

Don't you wish you had a photo to share for each one of you that were cooking something while you tried to add that 5th multi task to the scenario? I am sure we could make a cookbook on just kitchen mishaps. I am sure at least one of you can share a story about singed nose hairs, flambe' gone in flames, loosing our much-needed digits, homemade breads that can be used as door stops, boxed macaroni and cheese gone bad and other crazy kitchen adventures. Please feel free to share your funny stories or pictures as I am sure we all have been there and done that.  We all need a good laugh to get us through the holiday.

As long as I set a timer, putting a dessert in the oven is a fun and easy way to add a 4th or 5th multi-task without incident. Well that is the goal anyways...

I made a blueberry buckle almond tart with just 6 little ingredients and 30 little minutes. This is a delightfully easy rustic tart with fresh blueberries and sliced almonds.  You can throw together this little blue berry buckle almond tart in a flash and eat hot out of the oven for a last-minute dessert. The crispy puff pastry with the crunch of the almonds and sweet of the blueberries and a slight tart from the lemon zest makes this the perfect little dessert to have with coffee/tea break or as a simple ending to a meal.

I made little individual tarts but you could make a full sized one if feeding a crowd. I used blueberries as this is what I had on hand but really the sky is the limit with fruit choices. Maybe a fresh fig, Persimmon, or even an segmented orange tart suits your fancy today. I used fresh fruit but you could also swap out with frozen blueberries but you will need to add a little cornstarch to thicken the blueberry sauce. Even though I pinched up the sides of my tart to seal, the edges opened up during the baking process. However, it still left a pretty rim and kept the fruit inside, so what more could a girl ask for...

I think puff pastry is a great ingredient to have on hand around the holidays. You can whip up some many things both savory and sweet with this dynamic ingredient when you are low on time. Just store your puff pastry in the freezer and the options for creation are endless.

If you are looking for a little inspirations for things that you can make with puff pastry, take a look at my other savory and sweet delights.

How about the quick and easy version of the Hong Kong egg tart? http://bamskitchen.com/international-cuisines/chinese-cuisine/hong-kong-style-egg-tarts/

Looking for a fun and quick savory appetizer? http://bamskitchen.com/appetizers/mini-holiday-mediterranean-brie-en-croute/

Another delicious savory appetizer is http://bamskitchen.com/mains/beef/beef-and-cheddar-phyllo-wheels/

How about a Tex Mex hot appetizer? http://bamskitchen.com/appetizers/the-texan-sized-eggroll-tex-mex-chicken-phyllo/

Have a safe and happy holiday!  Wishing and hoping that all of you can carve out a little extra time for yourself this holiday season.