Have you ever been afraid to do something…and then once you did it, realized it was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made? This peach galette was a product of one such scenario, as until recently I had never made a galette and found them moderately intimidating.
Then, out of nowhere one day I made an asparagus and goat cheese galette and immediately knew that I would soon have to make a sweet version of the rustic tart.
Not surprisingly, this “galette effect” has applied to more situations in my life than I can probably count.
When I lived in Hoboken and worked in New York City I wasn’t in love with my life…but I didn’t know how to live anywhere else so I stayed put for a long time before moving westward.
When I was unhappy at work, I stayed put in my cubicle for a long time before I took a risk and made the move from corporate life to freelancing.
I think what I’m trying to say here, in so many convoluted words, is that if you’re afraid of making a galette because it sounds elegant, fancy and intimidating, you should stray from your favorite, go-to pie recipe next time you get a summer baking itch.
With stone fruit season finally here, peaches and nectarines make for the perfect filling for this just-sweet-enough crust that is so good you practically don’t even need filling to enjoy.
Even if you’re not a baker, push yourself out of your comfort zone this time.
You’ll be glad you did.
For the pastry:- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (about the size of dice)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Peach Filling:- 3 cups thinly sliced peaches (about 3 large)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- Make the pastry: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter to the mixture and using a pastry blender (or your fingers – it works, I swear!) cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse meal (you should be left with small lumps of butter no larger than the size of individual peas).
- Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice and water and add half of this mixture to the well. With your fingertips (this recipe is not for the newly-manicured) mix in the sour cream mixture until lumps form. Remove the large lumps and repeat with the remaining liquid. Pat the lumps together to form them into a ball and place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour to chill dough – this will make it less sticky when it’s time to roll out.
- To make the peach filling, combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and toss gently, making sure that the cornstarch is coating the fruit. When the peaches cook, they'll release liquid and the cornstarch will keep those juices nice and thick.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Once dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and on a floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch round. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet covered with parchment paper or silpat. Spread peach mixture over dough, leaving a 1½-inch border. Brush dough with egg wash, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature. This will keep for up to 3 days, so you can make it in advance for a party (but don't expect it to last that long).
62 Comments
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Martyna @ Wholesome Cook
August 2, 2011 at 2:00 amThis looks great, I make a similar tart with fresh plums which should be abundant around this time of the year. But although I make my pastry from scratch, like yourself, I have been hesitant to go free form. Perhaps I should – thanks for inspiring me!
Casey
July 31, 2011 at 10:58 amPeaches are probably my favorite fruit and I love to find ways to use them. This galette sounds like a fabulous way to use them and make something yummy.
Courtney
July 30, 2011 at 5:00 pmWell, Maris… I made this and it didn’t turn out remotely like yours… I was sure to link back. 🙂 Here’s the post: http://cookingmisadventures.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/peach-galette/
Wish I had done it better justice.
Peach Galette « Misadventures in Cooking
July 30, 2011 at 4:58 pm[…] in and make it look better (This is Hub’s theory – and looking at the original pictures, I think he might be right – don’t tell him I said so, though. It’s not good […]
The Food Hunter
July 29, 2011 at 3:27 pmAren’t these just the best..
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
July 28, 2011 at 6:06 amI love the wonderful rustic quality of galettes and you are right they are so easy to make!
lisa @ smart food and fit
July 28, 2011 at 4:43 amI have a drawer ful of peaches, nectarines and plums in my fridge. Mmmm, gonna have to try this recipe out!
yummychunklet
July 27, 2011 at 10:19 pmLooks delicious! Getting more peaches at the farmers market tomorrow!
NancyC
July 27, 2011 at 11:51 amI’ve been intimidated by galettes, too, but I’m definitely going to be making one now! That’s great that you made the move westward and from the corporate world to freelancing–I’m sure it’s much more rewarding!
Maria @ Scandifoodie
July 26, 2011 at 12:46 pmI love peaches, can’t wait for them to be back in season!
Nicole@HeatOvenTo350
July 26, 2011 at 12:07 pmI love the idea of the galette effect. You’re right – sometimes you just need to take the plunge and try something new. This peach galette looks wonderful.
Kay
July 26, 2011 at 11:57 amThis looks great!
shannon
July 26, 2011 at 11:54 amMmm, peaches. And I shy away from making pies for one, but this would certainly be a better solution 🙂
mandy
July 26, 2011 at 11:25 amI made my first galette about a year ago and haven’t looked back since. They are so amazing and simple. Good for you for stepping out and knowing what you need to do (both in life and in the kitchen)!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
July 26, 2011 at 10:33 amAh, Maris, you’ve tapped into my galette fear. I don’t know why, but they just intimidate me. I think your post is a sign. 😉
Thank you.
Greg
July 26, 2011 at 10:12 amHee, hee. We’ve done this and little did I know to call it by the fancy name. I think I just called it a country fold. Love this recipe. Any way to use peaches now is great.
amy @ fearless homemaker
July 26, 2011 at 8:49 amthis is simply gorgeous! it would definitely be the perfect ending to a delicious summertime meal.
Rosa
July 26, 2011 at 7:46 amDelicious looking! Galettes are fabulous. A lazy treat for hard-working eaters! ;-P
Cheers,
Rosa
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
July 26, 2011 at 7:35 amSo beautiful! Peaches from the Farmer’s market are absolutely my favorite summer fruit. And dessert is something I die over all the time :).
SMITH BITES
July 26, 2011 at 7:10 amWonder why it is that we succumb to the idea that if the word is ‘fancy’ it’s difficult? You did a beautiful job as is evidenced by the photo above! I have a few extra peaches to use up so may have to whip one of these up
peachkins
July 26, 2011 at 7:03 amI love how it looks!
Mary
July 26, 2011 at 6:58 amThis really is a lovely creation. I adore peaches and this looks tempting. I’d love a piece of it. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Maryi
Blond Duck
July 26, 2011 at 6:43 amI’ve always wanted to make one….
Anne@frommysweetheart
July 26, 2011 at 6:26 amThis galette is beautiful! I love a rustic look and I imagine the peaches are so sweet! But more than anything, I love your thoughts about the ‘galette effect’. I can certainly relate! I’ve not attempted a galette yet…now’s the time! : )
Alexis @ There She Goes
July 26, 2011 at 6:26 amwill def be making some version of this when im on vacation next weekend!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
July 26, 2011 at 4:17 amLovely looking galette! Haha yes! When I got my drivers license! I was so scared but I love being able to drive places nowadays! 😀
chopinandmysaucepan
July 25, 2011 at 10:56 pmLooks yummy except its freezing down here in Australia 🙁
Kerstin
July 25, 2011 at 10:47 pmSounds delicious and oh so perfect for company!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
July 25, 2011 at 10:26 pmThat galette is beautiful! I have a basket of perfectly ripe peaches on my countertop and am looking for ways to use them. 🙂
Kaitlin
July 25, 2011 at 10:24 pmI’m loving your outlook 🙂
I’m so happy that stone fruit season is here… Hooray! However, I keep wanting to bake with them, but I can’t stop myself from eating them before they even get close to the oven XD
Nelly Rodriguez
July 25, 2011 at 10:20 pmRustic and Lazy….love love both words when it comes to baking in the summer! This looks so good, thanks for sharing!
The Harried Cook
July 25, 2011 at 8:49 pmI have never made a galette before, and this one is just gorgeous… I love peach desserts, and I bet I would just love this.. Yum! Looks fabulous…
Maureen
July 25, 2011 at 8:45 pmRustic and delicious and those sugar crystals just glisten off the top of the galette. Yummy!
Reeni
July 25, 2011 at 8:39 pmGorgeous! I wish I could dig in!
Katie@Cozydelicious
July 25, 2011 at 8:33 pmYum! I haven’t made a quick galette in years – and they are the perfect pretty desserts. I love your peach version – yum!
Liz
July 25, 2011 at 7:21 pmI’m so glad you took the plunge into the world of galettes! I adore peaches, and this simple recipe must taste incredible~
Junia @ Mis Pensamientos
July 25, 2011 at 7:03 pmthis is BEAUTIFUL! i’ve been meaning to attempt a galette myself. i had no idea that’s what they were called :). kudos to you and so glad you went with the challenge!
Claire @ Un Bello Aperitivo
July 25, 2011 at 6:56 pmBeautiful peaches! Taking risks is something that definitely doesn’t come easy to me. I think purposely taking myself out of my comfort zone helps a lot, and I think that’s why I like traveling so much.
Bee
July 25, 2011 at 5:18 pmTartes and galettes are EVERYWHERE right now and I feel like I need to jump on the bandwagon before summer is over. Can’t decide if I want a savory or sweet one though!
5 Star Foodie
July 25, 2011 at 5:10 pmAn excellent galette, looks so good with peaches, yum!
Aparna E.
July 25, 2011 at 5:02 pmyummy yummy!!!
rebecca
July 25, 2011 at 4:50 pmlooks wonderful I need to try making a galette your inspiring me and good for you for taking the leap into freelance work
Karen (Back Road Journal)
July 25, 2011 at 4:45 pmThe galette looks delicious. I have made pear and apple but now I will make your peach one.
Lisa from Lisas Yarns
July 25, 2011 at 4:40 pmI was afraid to rent out my condo and move downtown, mostly because it was such an ‘out of the box’ sort of idea, but I am SO glad I did it as clearly I am happier than I have ever been (well, besides when I am in Paris, but that is not reality. Ha).
And yum, another gallette recipe. Be still my heart. I still need to sit down and figure out if I can do a gluten free gallette…
Simply Life
July 25, 2011 at 4:28 pmI’ve made galettes before but not with peaches -I LOVE this idea!
Roz
July 25, 2011 at 3:55 pmHi Maris, I bow at you and your galette. I tried to make one last summer, it was an epic fail, and I haven’t mustered the courage to try again. (ok…that was a BIT overdramatic!) This post has inspired me to give it another go. Have a great Monday!
Courtney
July 25, 2011 at 3:49 pmOooh, something new to try. It doesn’t seem too complicated – and I’m getting peaches in my CSA box this week… hmmm. BTW, what the heck is turbinado sugar? and where would I get some? Thanks, Maris!
Heather @girlichef
July 25, 2011 at 3:40 pmFantastic! I just love the rustic quality of galette’s…and the flavors in here sound just perfect.
Juliana
July 25, 2011 at 3:31 pmMaris, your peach galette looks so pretty and I am sure tastes as good as it looks…love the idea of using fruits that are on season.
Hope you have a great week 🙂
Angie@Angiesrecipes
July 25, 2011 at 2:40 pmYour peach galette looks fabulous!
bellini
July 25, 2011 at 2:24 pmI love a good galette Maris!!!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
July 25, 2011 at 2:00 pmMaris this looks amazing! Summer peaches, yum!
“t if you’re afraid of making a galette because it sounds elegant, fancy and intimidating, you should stray from your favorite, go-to pie recipe next time you get the summer baking itch,”
–Thank you for saying that. I have something called a mixed berry clafoutis on my site. Same thing. Takes 5 mins to whip up and is so good but sounds fancy!
Sarah (everydaysapicnic)
July 25, 2011 at 1:54 pmI’ve not had much success with pastry, but you make it sound easy, so maybe it’s time for another go 🙂
I know what you mean about being afraid of something. I was in a job I hated and once I made the decision to leave I wondered why I hadn’t done it 2 yrs earlier.
Linda
July 25, 2011 at 1:26 pmI think making a rustic galette is easier than fluting a pie! Love the filling with simple spices to allow the ripe peach flavor to shine!
Caroline
July 25, 2011 at 1:14 pmI can understand why filling wouldn’t even be necessary, as the crust looks flaky and delicious. But how could I ever say no to a delicious peach filling? This looks amazing, Maris!!
melissa@IWasBornToCook
July 25, 2011 at 1:13 pmGreat minds think alike – I’m making one of these this week 🙂 And when/where in Hoboken were you? I lived there for 10 years, and I miss it (even though I’m only 15 minutes away)…I LOVED my time there.
natalie (the sweets life)
July 25, 2011 at 1:04 pmI LOVE galettes but I usually make a savory variety. With peaches so delicious lately, I need to make this!
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
July 25, 2011 at 1:04 pmGalettes are such a perfect homemade dessert that is easy to assemble especially if you have a favorite go to pie dough recipe (and if you don’t do pie dough, then store bought will definitely work). Peaches are just the icing on this pie!
Kathleen
July 25, 2011 at 12:09 pmI love the rustic beauty of galettes! Yours looks smashing!
Erica
July 25, 2011 at 12:05 pmYum! Galette’s are such an easy and tasty dessert. I was totally intimidated by them at first too, now I can’t wait to try different varieties. Peaches are perfect for summer! I bet cherry would be so yummy too
sheila @ Elements
July 25, 2011 at 12:04 pmLooks fabulous! I’ve never made a galette before but I’d love to try it sometime! And you’re right that sometimes it’s good to take a risk and try something new that might feel a bit intimidating or scary. You just never know until you try. 🙂